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UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
Form 10-K
 
     
þ
  ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
    For the Fiscal Year Ended January 30, 2010
OR
o
  TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
 
Commission File Number: 1-33338
American Eagle Outfitters, Inc.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
 
     
Delaware   No. 13-2721761
(State or other jurisdiction of
incorporation or organization)
  (I.R.S. Employer
Identification No.)
77 Hot Metal Street, Pittsburgh, PA
(Address of principal executive offices)
  15203-2329
(Zip Code)
 
Registrant’s telephone number, including area code:
(412) 432-3300
 
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
 
     
Common Shares, $0.01 par value   New York Stock Exchange
(Title of class)   (Name of each exchange on which registered)
 
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act:
None
 
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act.  YES þ     NO o
 
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or Sections 15(d) of the Act.  YES o     NO þ
 
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 submit and post such files), and (2) has been subject to the 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 o     NO o
 
Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K (§ 229.405 of this chapter) is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the best of registrant’s knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this Form 10-K.  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.
 
Large accelerated filer þ Accelerated filer o Non-accelerated filer o Smaller reporting company o
(Do not check if a smaller reporting company)
 
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Act).  YES o     NO þ
 
The aggregate market value of voting and non-voting common equity held by non-affiliates of the registrant as of August 1, 2009 was $2,583,043,775.
 
Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the registrant’s classes of common stock, as of the latest practicable date: 209,044,166 Common Shares were outstanding at March 19, 2010.
 
DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE
 
Part III — Proxy Statement for 2010 Annual Meeting of Stockholders, in part, as indicated.
 


 

 
AMERICAN EAGLE OUTFITTERS, INC.
 
TABLE OF CONTENTS
 
                 
        Page
        Number
 
PART I
  Item 1.     Business     2  
  Item 1A.     Risk Factors     9  
  Item 1B.     Unresolved Staff Comments     12  
  Item 2.     Properties     13  
  Item 3.     Legal Proceedings     13  
  Item 4.     Reserved     13  
 
PART II
  Item 5.     Market for the Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities     14  
  Item 6.     Selected Consolidated Financial Data     17  
  Item 7.     Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations     19  
  Item 7A.     Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk     33  
  Item 8.     Financial Statements and Supplementary Data     34  
  Item 9.     Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure     70  
  Item 9A.     Controls and Procedures     70  
  Item 9B.     Other Information     72  
 
PART III
  Item 10.     Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance     72  
  Item 11.     Executive Compensation     72  
  Item 12.     Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters     72  
  Item 13.     Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence     72  
  Item 14.     Principal Accounting Fees and Services     72  
 
PART IV
  Item 15.     Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules     72  
 EX-21
 EX-23
 EX-24
 EX-31.1
 EX-31.2
 EX-32.1
 EX-32.2


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PART I
 
ITEM 1.   BUSINESS.
 
General
 
As used in this report, all references to “we,” “our,” and the “Company” refer to American Eagle Outfitters, Inc. (“AEO, 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, martinandosa.com and 77kids.com. “NLS” refers to National Logistics Services which we operated in Canada prior to its disposition during the 53 week period ended February 3, 2007.
 
Our financial year is a 52/53 week year that ends on the Saturday nearest to January 31. As used herein, “Fiscal 2010” refers to the 52 week period ending January 29, 2011. “Fiscal 2009”, “Fiscal 2008” and “Fiscal 2007” refer to the 52 week periods ended January 30, 2010, January 31, 2009 and February 2, 2008, respectively. “Fiscal 2006” refers to the 53 week period ended February 3, 2007. “Fiscal 2005” refers to the 52 week period ended January 28, 2006.
 
American Eagle Outfitters, Inc., a Delaware corporation, operates under the American Eagle® (“AE®”), aerie® by American Eagle®, 77kids® by american eagle® and MARTIN+OSA® (“M+O”) brands.
 
Founded in 1977, American Eagle Outfitters® is a leading apparel and accessories retailer that operates more than 1,000 retail stores in the U.S. and Canada, and online at ae.com®. Through its family of brands, AEO, Inc. offers high quality, on-trend clothing, accessories and personal care products at affordable prices. Our online business, AEO Direct, ships to 75 countries worldwide.
 
American Eagle Outfitters® boasts a passionate and loyal customer base ranging from college students to Hollywood celebrities. The Company focuses on delivering the right product at the right price, combined with a philosophy of operational excellence and discipline across the organization.
 
As of January 30, 2010, we operated 938 American Eagle Outfitters stores in the United States and Canada, 137 aerie stand-alone stores and 28 MARTIN+OSA stores.
 
Subsequent to Fiscal 2009, on March 5, 2010, the Board of Directors (the “Board”) of the Company approved management’s recommendation to proceed with the closure of M+O. The decision to take this action resulted from an extensive evaluation of M+O and review of strategic alternatives, which revealed that it was not achieving performance levels that warranted further investment. As a result of this decision, the Company plans to close all 28 stores and cease all online and corporate operations for M+O in Fiscal 2010. Refer to Note 15 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information regarding the planned closure of M+O.
 
Growth Strategy
 
Our primary growth strategies are focused on the following key areas of opportunity:
 
AE Brand
 
The American Eagle Outfitters® brand targets 15- to 25-year old girls and guys, achieving the perfect combination of American prep and current fashion. Denim is the cornerstone of the American Eagle® product assortment, which is completed by other key categories including sweaters, graphic t-shirts, fleece, outerwear and accessories. The American Eagle® attitude is honest, real, individual and fun. American Eagle® is priced to be worn by everyone, everyday, delivering value through quality and style.
 
Gaining market share in key categories, such as graphic tees and fleece is a primary focus within the AE brand. In addition, we will build upon our number one position in denim. Delivering value, variety and versatility to our customers remains a top priority. While AE has always been a value brand, we will continue to underscore a value message with customers. We will offer value at all levels of the assortment, punctuated with compelling, pre-planned promotions that are profitable to the business. We are reducing production lead-times, which enables us to


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react more quickly and profit from emerging trends. Finally, we continue to innovate our store experience to be more impactful from front to back.
 
aerie by American Eagle
 
In the fall of 2006, the Company launched aerie® by American Eagle (“aerie”), a collection of Dormwear®, intimates and personal care products for the 15- to 25-year-old AE® girl. What started as a sub-brand quickly became a standalone concept in its own right. The collection is available in 137 standalone aerie stores throughout the United States and Canada, online at www.aerie.com, and at select American Eagle® stores. aerie® features a complete fitness line called aerie f.i.t.tm, as well as a personal care collection that includes fragrance, body care and cosmetics to complement the aerie lifestyle. Designed to be sexy, comfortable and cozy, aerie® offers AE® customers a new way to express their personal style everyday.
 
77kids by american eagle
 
Introduced in October of 2008 as an online-only brand, 77kids by american eagle® (“77kids”) offers on-trend, high-quality clothing and accessories for kids ages two to 10. We plan to open five 77kids® brick-and-mortar stores in Fiscal 2010. The brand draws from the strong heritage of American Eagle Outfitters®, with a point-of-view that’s thoughtful, playful and real. Like American Eagle® clothing, 77kids focuses on great fit, value and style. All 77kids® clothing is backed by the brand’s 77washtm and 77softtm guarantees to maintain size, shape and quality and to be extremely soft and comfortable through dozens of washes.
 
AEO Direct
 
We sell merchandise via our e-commerce operations, ae.com, aerie.com, 77kids.com and martinandosa.com, which are extensions of the lifestyle that we convey in our stores. We currently ship to 75 countries. In addition to purchasing items online, customers can experience AEO Direct in-store through Store-to-Door. Store-to-Door enables store associates to sell any item available online to an in-store customer in a single transaction, without placing a phone call. Customers are taking advantage of Store-to-Door by purchasing extended sizes that are not available in-store, as well as finding a certain size or color that happens to be out-of-stock at the time of their visit. The ordered items are shipped to the customer’s home free of charge. We accept PayPal as a means of payment from our ae.com, aerie.com and 77kids.com customers. We are continuing to focus on the growth of AEO Direct through various initiatives, including improved site efficiency and faster check-out, expansion of sizes and styles, and targeted marketing strategies.
 
Information concerning our segments and certain geographic information is contained in Note 2 of the Consolidated Financial Statements included in this Form 10-K and is incorporated herein by reference.
 
Real Estate
 
During Fiscal 2009 and continuing into Fiscal 2010, we are taking a more cautious stance on real estate growth in light of a slow-down in the economy. However, we remain focused on several well-defined strategies that we have in place to grow our business and strengthen our financial performance.
 
We are continuing the expansion of our brands throughout the United States. At the end of Fiscal 2009, we operated in all 50 states, Puerto Rico and Canada. During Fiscal 2009, we opened 29 new stores, consisting of eight U.S. AE stores and 21 aerie stores, including two Canadian aerie stores. These store openings, offset by 24 store closings, increased our total store base to 1,103 stores.
 
Additionally, our gross square footage increased by approximately 1% during Fiscal 2009, with approximately 58% attributable to the incremental square footage from 22 AE U.S. and Canadian store remodels and the remaining 42% attributable to new store openings.
 
In Fiscal 2010, we plan to open 14 AE and 20 aerie stores and remodel approximately 20 existing AE stores. We plan to close all 28 M+O stores and 15 to 25 AE stores. We also plan to open five 77kids stores with an average size of 5,000 gross square feet. Our consolidated square footage growth is expected to be relatively flat compared to Fiscal


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2009. We believe that there are attractive retail locations where we can continue to open American Eagle stores and our other brands in enclosed regional malls, urban areas and lifestyle centers.
 
The tables below show certain information relating to our historical store growth in the U.S. and Canada:
 
                                         
    Fiscal
    Fiscal
    Fiscal
    Fiscal
    Fiscal
 
    2009     2008     2007     2006     2005  
 
Consolidated stores at beginning of period
    1,098       987       911       869       846  
Consolidated stores opened during the period
    29       122       80       50       36  
Consolidated stores closed during the period
    (24 )     (11 )     (4 )     (8 )     (13 )
                                         
Total consolidated stores at end of period
    1,103       1,098       987       911       869  
                                         
 
                                         
    Fiscal
    Fiscal
    Fiscal
    Fiscal
    Fiscal
 
    2009     2008     2007     2006     2005  
 
AE Brand stores at beginning of period
    954       929       903       869       846  
AE Brand stores opened during the period
    8       35       30       42       36  
AE Brand stores closed during the period
    (24 )     (10 )     (4 )     (8 )     (13 )
                                         
Total AE Brand stores at end of period
    938       954       929       903       869  
                                         
 
                                         
    Fiscal
    Fiscal
    Fiscal
    Fiscal
    Fiscal
 
    2009     2008     2007     2006     2005  
 
aerie stores at beginning of period
    116       39       3              
aerie stores opened during the period
    21       77       36       3        
aerie stores closed during the period
                             
                                         
Total aerie stores at end of period
    137       116       39       3        
                                         
 
                                         
    Fiscal
    Fiscal
    Fiscal
    Fiscal
    Fiscal
 
    2009     2008     2007     2006     2005  
 
M+O stores at beginning of period
    28       19       5              
M+O stores opened during the period
          10       14       5        
M+O stores closed during the period
          (1 )                  
                                         
Total M+O stores at end of period
    28       28       19       5        
                                         
 
Remodeling of our AE stores into our current store format is important to enhance our customer’s shopping experience. In order to maintain a balanced presentation and to accommodate additional product categories, we selectively enlarge our stores during the remodeling process to an average 7,000 gross square feet, either within their existing location or by upgrading the store location within the mall. We believe the larger format can better accommodate our expansion of merchandise categories. We select stores for expansion or relocation based on market demographics and store volume forecasts.
 
During Fiscal 2009, we remodeled 22 AE U.S. and Canadian stores. Of the 22 remodeled stores, 10 stores were remodeled and expanded within their existing locations, nine stores were relocated to a larger space within the mall and three stores were remodeled within their existing locations. Additionally, three stores were refurbished as discussed below.
 
We maintain a cost effective store refurbishment program targeted towards our lower volume stores, typically located in smaller markets. Stores selected as part of this program maintain their current location and size but are updated to include certain aspects of our current store format, including paint and certain new fixtures.


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Consolidated Store Locations
 
Our stores average approximately 5,800 gross square feet and approximately 4,700 on a selling square foot basis. As of January 30, 2010, we operated 1,103 stores in the United States and Canada under the American Eagle Outfitters, aerie and MARTIN+OSA brands as shown below:
 
United States, including the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico — 1,015 stores
 
                                             
Alabama
    18     Indiana     22     Nebraska     8     Rhode Island     4  
Alaska
    5     Iowa     13     Nevada     6     South Carolina     16  
Arizona
    16     Kansas     10     New Hampshire     8     South Dakota     3  
Arkansas
    9     Kentucky     13     New Jersey     28     Tennessee     24  
California
    89     Louisiana     14     New Mexico     3     Texas     72  
Colorado
    14     Maine     4     New York     62     Utah     12  
Connecticut
    18     Maryland     21     North Carolina     31     Vermont     3  
Delaware
    5     Massachusetts     33     North Dakota     4     Virginia     29  
Florida
    50     Michigan     35     Ohio     40     Washington     20  
Georgia
    34     Minnesota     22     Oklahoma     12     West Virginia     9  
Hawaii
    4     Mississippi     8     Oregon     11     Wisconsin     18  
Idaho
    4     Missouri     19     Pennsylvania     66     Wyoming     2  
Illinois
    37     Montana     2     Puerto Rico     5              
 
Canada — 88 stores
 
                                             
Alberta
    11     New Brunswick     4     Ontario     44              
British Columbia
    12     Newfoundland     2     Quebec     9              
Manitoba
    2     Nova Scotia     2     Saskatchewan     2              
 
Purchasing
 
We purchase merchandise from suppliers who either manufacture their own merchandise, supply merchandise manufactured by others or both. During Fiscal 2009, we purchased a majority of our merchandise from non-North American suppliers.
 
All of our merchandise suppliers receive a vendor compliance manual that describes our quality standards and shipping instructions. We maintain a quality control department at our distribution centers to inspect incoming merchandise shipments for uniformity of sizes and colors and for overall quality of manufacturing. Periodic inspections are also made by our employees and agents at manufacturing facilities to identify quality problems prior to shipment of merchandise.
 
Corporate Responsibility
 
The Company is firmly committed to the principle that the people who make our clothes should be treated with dignity and respect. We seek to work with apparel suppliers throughout the world who share our commitment to providing safe and healthy workplaces. At a minimum, we require our suppliers to maintain a workplace environment that complies with local legal requirements and meets universally-accepted human rights standards.
 
Our Vendor Code of Conduct (the “Code”), which is based on universally-accepted human rights principles, sets forth our expectations for suppliers. The Code must be posted in every factory that manufactures our clothes in the local language of the workers. All suppliers must agree to abide by the terms of our Code before we will place production with them.
 
We maintain an extensive factory inspection program to monitor compliance with our Code. New garment factories must pass an initial inspection in order to do business with us. Once new factories are approved, we then strive to re-inspect them at least once a year. We review the outcome of these inspections with factory management


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with the goal of helping them to continuously improve their performance. In cases where a factory is unable or unwilling to meet our standards, we will take steps up to and including the severance of our business relationship.
 
In Fiscal 2007, we opened a compliance office in Hong Kong. Today, the Hong Kong-based team validates the inspection reporting of our third-party vendor compliance auditors and works with new and existing factories on remediation of issues. Also in Fiscal 2007, we instituted a process of pre-inspection for facilities being considered for AE production and expanded our annual re-audit program to strive to include all primary existing facilities.
 
Security Compliance
 
During recent years, there has been an increasing focus within the international trade community on concerns related to global terrorist activity. Various security issues and other terrorist threats have brought increased demands from the Bureau of Customs and Border Protection (“CBP”) and other agencies within the Department of Homeland Security that importers take responsible action to secure their supply chains. In response, we became a certified member of the Customs — Trade Partnership Against Terrorism program (“C-TPAT”) during 2004. C-TPAT is a voluntary program offered by CBP in which an importer agrees to work with CBP to strengthen overall supply chain security. Our internal security procedures were reviewed by CBP during February 2005 and a validation of processes with respect to our external partners was completed in June 2005 and then re-evaluated in June 2008. We received formal written validations of our security procedures from CBP during the first quarter of Fiscal 2006 and the second quarter of Fiscal 2008, each indicating the highest level of benefits afforded to C-TPAT members.
 
Historically, we took significant steps to expand the scope of our security procedures, including, but not limited to: a significant increase in the number of factory audits performed; a revision of the factory audit format to include a review of all critical security issues as defined by CBP; a review of security procedures of our other international trading partners, including forwarders, consolidators, shippers and brokers; and a requirement that all of our international trading partners be members of C-TPAT. In Fiscal 2007, we further increased the scope of our inspection program to strive to include pre-inspections of all potential production facilities. In Fiscal 2009, we again expanded the program to require all suppliers that have passed pre-inspections and reached a satisfactory level of security compliance through annual factory re-audits to provide us with security self-assessments on at least an annual basis. Additionally, in Fiscal 2009, we began evaluating additional oversight options for high-risk security countries.
 
Trade Compliance
 
We act as the importer of record for substantially all of the merchandise we purchase overseas from foreign suppliers. Accordingly, we have an affirmative obligation to comply with the rules and regulations established for importers by the CBP regarding issues such as merchandise classification, valuation and country of origin. We have developed and implemented a comprehensive series of trade compliance procedures to assure that we adhere to all CBP requirements. In its most recent review and audit of our import operations and procedures, CBP found no unacceptable risks of non-compliance.
 
Merchandise Inventory, Replenishment and Distribution
 
Merchandise is normally shipped directly from our vendors and routed to our two U.S. distribution centers, one in Warrendale, Pennsylvania and the other in Ottawa, Kansas, or to our Canadian distribution center in Mississauga, Ontario.
 
Upon receipt, merchandise is processed and prepared for shipment to the stores or forwarded to a warehouse holding area to be used as store replenishment goods. The allocation of merchandise among stores varies based upon a number of factors, including geographic location, customer demographics and store size. Merchandise is shipped to our stores two to five times per week depending upon the season and store requirements.
 
The expansion of our Kansas distribution center in Fiscal 2007 enabled us to bring fulfillment services for AEO Direct in-house. The second phase of this expansion was completed in Fiscal 2008 to enhance operating efficiency and support our future growth.


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Customer Credit and Returns
 
We offer 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 we have 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 our credit card rewards program. Under the rewards program that expired on December 31, 2009, points are earned on purchases made with the AE Visa Card at AE and aerie, and at other retailers where the card is accepted. Points earned under the credit cards reward program resulted in the issuance of an AE gift card when a certain point threshold was reached. The AE gift card does not expire, however points earned that have not been used towards the issuance of an AE gift card expire after 36 months of no purchase activity. On January 1, 2010, we 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. AE Credit Card holders will still receive special promotional offers and advance notice of all American Eagle in-store sales events. The AE Visa Card is accepted in all of our stores and AEO Direct sites, while the AE Credit Card is accepted at American Eagle, aerie, ae.com, aerie.com and 77kids.com, only.
 
Our customers in the U.S. and Canada stores may also pay for their purchases with American Express®, Discover®, MasterCard®, Visa®, bank debit cards, cash or check. Our AEO Direct customers may pay for their purchases using American Express®, Discover®, MasterCard® and Visa®. In addition, our ae.com, aerie.com, and 77kids.com customers may pay for their purchases using PayPal® and Bill Me Later®.
 
Customers may also use gift cards to pay for their purchases. AE and aerie gift cards can be purchased in our American Eagle and aerie stores, respectively, and can be used both in-store and online. In addition, AE, aerie and 77kids gift cards are available through ae.com, aerie.com or 77kids.com. MARTIN+OSA gift cards can be used both in-store and online. When the recipient uses the gift card, the value of the purchase is electronically deducted from the card and any remaining value can be used for future purchases. Our gift cards do not expire and we do not charge a service fee on inactive gift cards.
 
We offer our retail customers a hassle-free return policy. We believe that certain of our competitors offer similar credit card and customer service policies.
 
Competition
 
The retail apparel industry, including retail stores and e-commerce, is highly competitive. We compete with various individual and chain specialty stores, as well as the casual apparel and footwear departments of department stores and discount retailers, primarily on the basis of quality, fashion, service, selection and price.
 
Trademarks and Service Marks
 
We have registered AMERICAN EAGLE OUTFITTERS®, AMERICAN EAGLE®, AE® and AEO® with the United States Patent and Trademark Office. We have also registered or have applied to register these trademarks with the registries of many of the foreign countries in which our manufacturers are located and/or where our product is shipped.
 
We have registered AMERICAN EAGLE OUTFITTERS® and have applied to register AMERICAN EAGLEtm with the Canadian Intellectual Property Office. In addition, we are exclusively licensed in Canada to use AEtm and AEO® in connection with the sale of a wide range of clothing products.
 
In the United States and around the world, we have also registered, or have applied to register, a number of other marks used in our business, including aerie®, MARTIN+OSA® and 77kids by american eagle®.


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These trademarks are renewable indefinitely, as long as they are still in use and their registrations are properly maintained. We believe that the recognition associated with these trademarks makes them extremely valuable and, therefore, we intend to use and renew our trademarks in accordance with our business plans.
 
Employees
 
As of January 30, 2010, we had approximately 39,400 employees in the United States and Canada, of whom approximately 33,000 were part-time and seasonal hourly employees. We consider our relationship with our employees to be good.
 
Seasonality
 
Historically, our operations have been seasonal, with a large portion of net sales and operating income occurring in the third and fourth fiscal quarter, reflecting increased demand during the back-to-school and year-end holiday selling seasons, respectively. 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 acceptability of seasonal merchandise offerings, the timing and level of markdowns, store closings and remodels, competitive factors, weather and general economic conditions.
 
Available Information
 
Our Annual Reports on Form 10-K, Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, Current Reports on Form 8-K and amendments to those reports are available, free of charge, under the “About AEO, Inc.” section of our website at www.ae.com. These reports are available as soon as reasonably practicable after such material is electronically filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”).
 
Our corporate governance materials, including our corporate governance guidelines, the charters of our audit, compensation, and nominating and corporate governance committees, and our code of ethics may also be found under the “About AEO, Inc.” section of our website at www.ae.com. Any amendments or waivers to our code of ethics will also be available on our website. A copy of the corporate governance materials is also available upon written request.
 
Additionally, our investor presentations are available under the “About AEO, Inc.” section of our website at www.ae.com. These presentations are available as soon as reasonably practicable after they are presented at investor conferences.
 
Certifications
 
As required by the New York Stock Exchange (“NYSE”) Corporate Governance Standards Section 303A.12(a), on July 1, 2009 our Chief Executive Officer submitted to the NYSE a certification that he was not aware of any violation by the Company of NYSE corporate governance listing standards. Additionally, we filed with this Form 10-K, the Principal Executive Officer and Principal Financial Officer certifications required under Sections 302 and 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.


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ITEM 1A.   RISK FACTORS
 
Our ability to anticipate and respond to changing consumer preferences and fashion trends in a timely manner
 
Our future success depends, in part, upon our 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 because 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 during our peak selling seasons. 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. The failure to enter into agreements for the manufacture and purchase of merchandise in a timely manner could, among other things, lead to a shortage of inventory and lower sales. Changes in fashion trends, if unsuccessfully identified, forecasted or responded to by us, could, among other things, lead to lower sales, excess inventories and higher markdowns, which in turn could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations and financial condition.
 
The effect of economic pressures and other business factors
 
The global recession that began during the second half of 2008 continues to cause uncertainty and a wide-ranging lack of liquidity in the credit markets. This market uncertainty continues to result in a lack of consumer confidence and widespread reduction of business activity.
 
The success of our operations 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, increases in energy costs and consumer confidence. There can be no assurance that consumer spending will not be further negatively affected by general or local economic conditions, thereby adversely impacting our continued growth and results of operations.
 
Our ability to grow through new store openings and existing store remodels and expansions
 
Our continued growth and success will depend in part on our ability to open and operate new stores and expand and remodel existing stores on a timely and profitable basis. During Fiscal 2010, we plan to open 14 new American Eagle stores in the U.S. and Canada, 20 aerie stand-alone stores and five 77kids stores. Additionally, we plan to remodel or expand 20 existing American Eagle stores during Fiscal 2010. Accomplishing our new and existing store expansion goals will depend upon a number of factors, including the ability to obtain suitable sites for new and expanded 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 and the expansion of our buying and inventory capabilities. There can be no assurance that we will be able to achieve our store expansion goals, manage our growth effectively, successfully integrate the planned new stores into our operations or operate our new and remodeled stores profitably.
 
Our ability to achieve planned store financial performance
 
The results achieved by our stores may not be indicative of long-term performance or the potential performance of stores in other locations. The failure of stores to achieve acceptable results could result in store asset impairment charges, which could adversely affect our continued growth and results of operations.
 
Our ability to grow through the internal development of new brands
 
We launched our new brand concepts, aerie and 77kids, during Fiscal 2006 and Fiscal 2008, respectively. Our ability to succeed in these new brands requires significant expenditures and management attention. Additionally, any new brand is subject to certain risks including customer acceptance, competition, product differentiation, the


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ability to attract and retain qualified personnel, including management and designers, and the ability to obtain suitable sites for new stores at acceptable costs. There can be no assurance that these new brands will grow or become profitable. If we are unable to succeed in developing profitable new brands, this could adversely impact our continued growth and results of operations.
 
Our planned closure of MARTIN+OSA
 
On March 5, 2010, our Board approved management’s recommendation to proceed with the closure of MARTIN+OSA. 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. As a result of this decision, we plan to close all 28 stores and cease all online and corporate operations for the brand in Fiscal 2010. The timing of the store closures is dependent on a number of factors including negotiating third-party agreements, adherence to notification requirements and local laws.
 
Store closures are expected to be substantially complete by the end of the second quarter of Fiscal 2010. To the extent not previously recognized, the charges associated with the decision are expected to be recognized primarily over the first and second quarters of Fiscal 2010. Our current estimates of the charges are preliminary and are based on a number of significant assumptions that could change materially. Any change in estimates of the charges could adversely impact our consolidated results of operations.
 
Refer to Note 15 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information regarding the planned closure of MARTIN+OSA.
 
Our international merchandise sourcing strategy
 
Substantially all of our merchandise is purchased from foreign suppliers. Although we purchase a significant portion of our merchandise through a single foreign buying agent, we do not maintain any exclusive commitments to purchase from any vendor. Since we rely on a small number of foreign sources for a significant portion of our purchases, any event causing the disruption of imports, including the insolvency of a significant supplier or a significant labor dispute, could have an adverse effect on our operations. Other events that could also cause a disruption of imports include the imposition of additional trade law provisions or import restrictions, such as increased duties, tariffs, anti-dumping provisions, increased CBP enforcement actions, or political or economic disruptions.
 
We have a Vendor Code of Conduct (the “Code”) that provides guidelines for all of our vendors regarding working conditions, employment practices and compliance with local laws. A copy of the Code is posted on our website, www.ae.com, and is also included in our vendor manual in English and multiple other languages. We have a factory compliance program to audit for compliance with the Code. However, there can be no assurance that our factory compliance program will be fully effective in discovering all violations. Publicity regarding violation of our Code or other social responsibility standards by any of our vendor factories could adversely affect our sales and financial performance.
 
We believe that there is a risk of terrorist activity on a global basis, and such activity might take the form of a physical act that impedes the flow of imported goods or the insertion of a harmful or injurious agent to an imported shipment. We have instituted policies and procedures designed to reduce the chance or impact of such actions including, but not limited to, factory audits and factory self-assessments on security measures; a factory audit protocol and factory self-assessment protocol that includes all critical security issues; the review of security procedures of our other international trading partners, including forwarders, consolidators, shippers and brokers; and the cancellation of agreements with entities who fail to meet our security requirements. In addition, the United States CBP has recognized us as a validated, tier three member of the Customs — Trade Partnership Against Terrorism program, a voluntary program in which an importer agrees to work with US Customs to strengthen overall supply chain security. However, there can be no assurance that terrorist activity can be prevented entirely and we cannot predict the likelihood of any such activities or the extent of their adverse impact on our operations.


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Our reliance on external vendors
 
Given the volatility and risk in the current markets, our reliance on external vendors leaves us subject to certain risks should one or more of these external vendors become insolvent. Although we monitor the financial stability of our key vendors and plan for contingencies, the financial failure of a key vendor could disrupt our operations and have an adverse effect on our cash flows, results of operations and financial condition.
 
Seasonality
 
Historically, our operations have been seasonal, with a large portion of net sales and operating income occurring in the third and fourth fiscal quarter, reflecting increased demand during the back-to-school and year-end holiday selling seasons, respectively. 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 acceptability of seasonal merchandise offerings, the timing and level of markdowns, store closings and remodels, competitive factors, weather and general economic conditions.
 
Our reliance on our ability to implement and sustain information technology systems
 
We regularly evaluate our information technology systems and are currently implementing modifications and/or upgrades to the information technology systems that support our business. Modifications include replacing legacy systems with successor systems, making changes to legacy systems or acquiring new systems with new functionality. We are aware of inherent risks associated with replacing and modifying these systems, including inaccurate system information and system disruptions. We believe we are taking appropriate action to mitigate the risks through testing, training and staging implementation, as well as securing appropriate commercial contracts with third-party vendors supplying such technologies. Information technology system disruptions and inaccurate system information, if not anticipated and appropriately mitigated, could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations.
 
Our reliance on key personnel
 
Our success depends to a significant extent upon the continued services of our key personnel, including senior management, as well as our ability to attract and retain qualified key personnel and skilled employees in the future. Our operations could be adversely affected if, for any reason, one or more key executive officers ceased to be active in our management.
 
Failure to comply with regulatory requirements
 
As a public company, we are subject to numerous regulatory requirements. Our policies, procedures and internal controls are designed to comply with all applicable laws and regulations, including those imposed by the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, the SEC and the NYSE. Failure to comply with such laws and regulations could have a material adverse effect on our reputation, financial condition and on the market price of our common stock.
 
Negative conditions in global credit markets may further impair our investment securities portfolio
 
Auction rate securities (“ARS”) are long-term debt instruments with interest rates reset through periodic short-term auctions. Holders of ARS can either sell into the auctions; bid based on a desired interest rate or hold and accept the reset rate. If there are insufficient buyers, then the auction fails and holders are unable to liquidate their investment through the auction. A failed auction is not a default of the debt instrument, but does set a new interest rate in accordance with the original terms of the debt instrument. The result of a failed auction is that the ARS continues to pay interest in accordance with its terms; however, liquidity for holders is limited until there is a successful auction or until such time as another market for ARS develops. ARS are generally callable at any time by the issuer. Auctions continue to be held as scheduled until the ARS matures or until it is called.


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As a result of the global recession, we have been unable to liquidate our holdings of certain ARS because the amount of securities submitted for sale has exceeded the amount of purchase orders for such securities and the auctions failed. For failed auctions, we continue to earn interest on these investments at the contractual rate. In the event we need to access these funds, we will not be able to do so until a future auction is successful, the issuer redeems the securities, a buyer is found outside of the auction process or the securities mature.
 
If our ARS holdings continue to be unable to clear successfully at future auctions or if issuers do not redeem the securities, we may be required to adjust the carrying value of the securities and record additional impairment charges. If we determine that the fair value of these ARS is temporarily impaired, we would record a temporary impairment within other comprehensive income, a component of stockholders’ equity. If it is determined that the fair value of our ARS is other-than-temporarily impaired, we would record a loss in our Consolidated Statements of Operations, which could materially adversely impact our results of operations and financial condition.
 
Our ability to obtain and/or maintain our credit facilities due to the ramifications of the global credit crisis and corresponding financial institution failures
 
We believe that we have sufficient cash flows from operating activities to meet our operating requirements. In addition, the banks participating in our various credit facilities are currently rated as investment grade, and substantially all of the amounts under the credit facilities are currently available to us. We draw on our credit facilities to increase our cash position to add financial flexibility. Although we expect to continue to generate positive cash flow despite the current economy, there can be no assurance that we will be able to successfully generate positive cash flow in the future. Continued negative trends in the credit markets and/or continued financial institution failures could lead to lowered credit availability as well as difficulty in obtaining financing. In the event of limitations on our access to credit facilities, our liquidity, continued growth and results of operations could be adversely affected.
 
Our efforts to expand internationally through franchising
 
We have entered into a franchise agreement with a franchisee to open and operate a series of stores throughout the Middle East over the next several years. While the franchise arrangement does not involve a capital investment from us and requires minimal operational involvement, the effect of this arrangement on our business and results of operations is uncertain and will depend upon various factors, including the demand for our products in new markets internationally. Furthermore, although we provide store operation training, literature and support, to the extent that the franchisee does not operate its stores in a manner consistent with our requirements regarding our brand and customer experience standards, the value of our brand could be negatively impacted. A failure to protect the value of our brand or any other adverse actions by a franchisee could have an adverse effect on our results of operations and our reputation.
 
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 infrastructure systems; any disaster or casualty resulting in the interruption of service from our distribution centers or in a large number of our stores; any interruption of our business related to an outbreak of a pandemic disease in a country where we source or market our merchandise; changes in weather patterns; the effects of changes in current exchange rates and interest rates; and international and domestic acts of terror.
 
The impact of any of the previously discussed 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.
 
ITEM 1B.   UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS.
 
Not applicable.


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ITEM 2.   PROPERTIES.
 
We own a 186,000 square foot building in an urban Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania location which houses our corporate headquarters. Additionally, during Fiscal 2009, we completed construction of a 152,000 square foot building on adjacent land, which is used for the expansion of our corporate headquarters. We lease three locations near our headquarters, which are used primarily for store and corporate support services, totaling approximately 68,000 square feet. These leases expire with various terms through 2022.
 
We own a 490,000 square foot building located in a suburban area near Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, which houses our distribution center and contains approximately 120,000 square feet of office space. We also own a 45,000 square foot building, which houses our data center and additional office space. We lease an additional location of approximately 18,000 square feet, which is used for storage space. This lease expires in 2015.
 
We rent approximately 131,000 square feet of office space in New York, New York for our designers and sourcing and production teams. The lease for this space expires in May 2016. We also lease an additional 60,000 square feet of office space in New York, New York, with various terms expiring through 2018.
 
We own a distribution facility in Ottawa, Kansas consisting of approximately 1,220,000 total square feet, including a 544,000 square foot expansion which was completed during Fiscal 2007 and a 280,000 square foot expansion which was completed during Fiscal 2008. This expanded facility is used to support new and existing growth initiatives, including AEO Direct, aerie and 77kids.
 
We lease a building in Mississauga, Ontario with approximately 294,000 square feet, which houses our Canadian distribution center. The lease expires in 2017.
 
We also entered into a lease in Fiscal 2007 for a new flagship store in the Times Square area of New York, New York. The 25,000 square foot location has an initial term of 15 years with three options to renew for five years each. This flagship store opened in November 2009.
 
All of our stores in the United States and Canada are leased. The store leases generally have initial terms of 10 years. Certain leases also include early termination options, which can be exercised under specific conditions. Most of these leases provide for base rent and require the payment of a percentage of sales as additional contingent rent when sales reach specified levels. Under our store leases, we are typically responsible for tenant occupancy costs, including maintenance and common area charges, real estate taxes and certain other expenses. We have generally been successful in negotiating renewals as leases near expiration.
 
ITEM 3.   LEGAL PROCEEDINGS.
 
We are a party to various legal actions incidental to our business, including certain actions in which we are the plaintiff. At this time, our management does not expect the results of any of the legal actions to be material to our financial position or results of operations.
 
ITEM 4.   RESERVED.
 


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PART II
 
ITEM 5.   MARKET FOR THE REGISTRANT’S COMMON EQUITY, RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS AND ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES.
 
Our common stock is traded on the NYSE under the symbol “AEO”. The following table sets forth the range of high and low closing prices of the common stock as reported on the NYSE during the periods indicated. As of March 19, 2010, there were 668 stockholders of record. However, when including associates who own shares through our employee stock purchase plan, and others holding shares in broker accounts under street name, we estimate the stockholder base at approximately 55,000.
 
                         
    Market Price   Cash Dividends per
For the Quarters Ended
  High   Low   Common Share
 
January 30, 2010
  $ 18.06     $ 14.54     $ 0.10  
October 31, 2009
  $ 19.62     $ 13.37     $ 0.10  
August 1, 2009
  $ 15.53     $ 12.80     $ 0.10  
May 2, 2009
  $ 15.60     $ 8.44     $ 0.10  
January 31, 2009
  $ 10.91     $ 7.11     $ 0.10  
November 1, 2008
  $ 16.69     $ 9.40     $ 0.10  
August 2, 2008
  $ 19.05     $ 12.13     $ 0.10  
May 3, 2008
  $ 23.45     $ 15.79     $ 0.10  
 
During Fiscal 2009 and Fiscal 2008, we paid quarterly dividends as shown in the table above. The payment of future dividends is at the discretion of our Board and is based on future earnings, cash flow, financial condition, capital requirements, changes in U.S. taxation and other relevant factors. It is anticipated that any future dividends paid will be declared on a quarterly basis.


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Performance Graph
 
The following Performance Graph and related information shall not be deemed “soliciting material” or to be filed with the SEC, nor shall such information be incorporated by reference into any future filing under the Securities Act of 1933 or Securities Exchange Act of 1934, each as amended, except to the extent that we specifically incorporate it by reference into such filing.
 
The following graph compares the changes in the cumulative total return to holders of our common stock with that of the S&P Midcap 400 and the Dynamic Retail Intellidex. The comparison of the cumulative total returns for each investment assumes that $100 was invested in our common stock and the respective index on January 29, 2005 and includes reinvestment of all dividends. The plotted points are based on the closing price on the last trading day of the fiscal year indicated.
 
COMPARISON OF 5 YEAR CUMULATIVE TOTAL RETURN
Among American Eagle Outfitters, Inc., The S&P Midcap 400 Index
And A Peer Group
 
(PERFORMANCE GRAPH)
 
                                                             
      1/29/05     1/28/06     2/3/07     2/2/08     1/31/09     1/30/10
American Eagle Outfitters, Inc. 
      100.00         106.42         200.06         147.96         58.40         105.80  
S&P Midcap 400
      100.00         122.31         132.05         129.11         81.37         116.66  
Dynamic Retail Intellidex
      100.00         102.28         104.44         87.58         55.20         87.91  
                                                             


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Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities
 
The following table provides information regarding our repurchases of our common stock during the three months ended January 30, 2010.
 
                                 
                Total Number of
    Maximum Number of
 
    Total
    Average
    Shares Purchased as
    Shares that May
 
    Number of
    Price Paid
    Part of Publicly
    Yet be Purchased
 
    Shares Purchased
    per Share
    Announced Programs
    Under the Program
 
Period
  (1)     (2)     (1)(3)     (3)  
 
Month #1 (November 1, 2009 through November 28, 2009)
                      41,250,000  
Month #2 (November 29, 2009 through January 2, 2010)
    1,031     $ 16.98             41,250,000  
Month #3 (January 3, 2010 through January 30, 2010)
                      41,250,000  
                                 
Total
    1,031     $ 16.98             41,250,000  
                                 
 
 
(1) Shares purchased during Month #2 were all repurchased from employees for the payment of taxes in connection with the vesting of share-based payments.
 
(2) Average price paid per share excludes any broker commissions paid.
 
(3) Of the 41.3 million shares that may yet be purchased under the program, the authorization relating to 11.3 million shares expired at the end of Fiscal 2009 and the authorization relating to 30.0 million shares expires at the end of Fiscal 2010.
 
Equity Compensation Plan Table
 
The following table sets forth additional information as of the end of Fiscal 2009, about shares of our common stock that may be issued upon the exercise of options and other rights under our existing equity compensation plans and arrangements, divided between plans approved by our stockholders and plans or arrangements not submitted to the Company’s stockholders for approval. The information includes the number of shares covered by and the weighted average exercise price of, outstanding options and other rights and the number of shares remaining available for future grants excluding the shares to be issued upon exercise of outstanding options, warrants, and other rights.
 
                         
    Column (a)     Column (b)     Column (c)  
                Number of Securities
 
                Remaining Available
 
    Number of Securities
    Weighted-Average
    for Issuance Under
 
    to be Issued Upon
    Exercise Price of
    Equity Compensation
 
    Exercise of Outstanding
    Outstanding Options,
    Plans (Excluding
 
    Options,
    Warrants and
    Securities Reflected
 
    Warrants and Rights(1)     Rights(1)     in Column (a))(1)  
 
Equity compensation plans approved by stockholders
    14,904,942     $ 15.01       28,395,557  
Equity compensation plans not approved by stockholders
                 
                         
Total
    14,904,942     $ 15.01       28,395,557  
 
 
(1) Equity compensation plans approved by stockholders include the 1994 Stock Option Plan, the 1999 Stock Incentive Plan and the 2005 Stock Award and Incentive Plan.


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ITEM 6.   SELECTED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL DATA.
 
The following Selected Consolidated Financial Data should be read in conjunction with “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations,” included under Item 7 below and the Consolidated Financial Statements and Notes thereto, included in Item 8 below. Most of the selected data presented below is derived from our Consolidated Financial Statements, which are filed in response to Item 8 below. The selected Consolidated Statement of Operations data for the years ended February 3, 2007 and January 28, 2006 and the selected Consolidated Balance Sheet data as of February 2, 2008, February 3, 2007 and January 28, 2006 are derived from audited Consolidated Financial Statements not included herein.
 
                                         
    For the Years Ended(1)
    January 30,
  January 31,
  February 2,
  February 3,
  January 28,
    2010   2009   2008   2007   2006
    (In thousands, except per share amounts, ratios and other financial information)
 
Summary of Operations
                                       
Net sales(2)
  $ 2,990,520     $ 2,988,866     $ 3,055,419     $ 2,794,409     $ 2,321,962  
Comparable store sales (decrease) increase(3)
    (4 )%     (10 )%     1 %     12 %     16 %
Gross profit
  $ 1,158,049     $ 1,174,101     $ 1,423,138     $ 1,340,429     $ 1,077,749  
Gross profit as a percentage of net sales
    38.7 %     39.3 %     46.6 %     48.0 %     46.4 %
Operating income(4)
  $ 238,393     $ 302,140     $ 598,755     $ 586,790     $ 458,689  
Operating income as a percentage of net sales
    8.0 %     10.1 %     19.6 %     21.0 %     19.8 %
Income from continuing operations
  $ 169,022     $ 179,061     $ 400,019     $ 387,359     $ 293,711  
Income from continuing operations as a percentage of net sales
    5.7 %     6.0 %     13.1 %     13.9 %     12.7 %
Per Share Results (5)
                                       
Income from continuing operations per common share-basic
  $ 0.82     $ 0.87     $ 1.85     $ 1.74     $ 1.29  
Income from continuing operations per common share-diluted
  $ 0.81     $ 0.86     $ 1.82     $ 1.70     $ 1.26  
Weighted average common shares outstanding — basic
    206,171       205,169       216,119       222,662       227,406  
Weighted average common shares outstanding — diluted
    209,512       207,582       220,280       228,384       233,031  
Cash dividends per common share
  $ 0.40     $ 0.40     $ 0.38     $ 0.28     $ 0.18  
Balance Sheet Information
                                       
Total cash and short-term investments
  $ 698,635     $ 483,853     $ 619,939     $ 813,813     $ 751,518  
Long-term investments
  $ 197,773     $ 251,007     $ 165,810     $ 264,944     $ 145,744  
Total assets(6)
  $ 2,138,148     $ 1,963,676     $ 1,867,680     $ 1,979,558     $ 1,605,649  
Short-term debt
  $ 30,000     $ 75,000     $     $     $  
Long-term debt
  $     $     $     $     $  
Stockholders’ equity
  $ 1,578,517     $ 1,409,031     $ 1,340,464     $ 1,417,312     $ 1,155,552  
Working capital(6)
  $ 758,075     $ 523,596     $ 644,656     $ 724,490     $ 725,294  
Current ratio(6)
    2.85       2.30       2.71       2.56       3.06  
Average return on stockholders’ equity
    11.3 %     13.0 %     29.0 %     30.1 %     27.8 %


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    For the Years Ended(1)
    January 30,
  January 31,
  February 2,
  February 3,
  January 28,
    2010   2009   2008   2007   2006
    (In thousands, except per share amounts, ratios and other financial information)
 
Other Financial Information
                                       
Total stores at year-end
    1,103       1,098       987       911       869  
Capital expenditures
  $ 127,419     $ 265,335     $ 250,407     $ 225,939     $ 81,545  
Net sales per average selling square foot(7)
  $ 519     $ 521     $ 638     $ 642     $ 577  
Total selling square feet at end of period
    5,133,923       5,072,612       4,595,649       4,220,929       3,896,441  
Net sales per average gross square foot(7)
  $ 416     $ 446     $ 517     $ 524     $ 471  
Total gross square feet at end of period
    6,403,859       6,328,167       5,709,932       5,173,065       4,772,487  
Number of employees at end of period
    39,400       37,500       38,700       27,600       23,000  
 
 
(1) Except for the fiscal year ended February 3, 2007, which includes 53 weeks, all fiscal years presented include 52 weeks.
 
(2) Amount for the fiscal years ended January 30, 2010, January 31, 2009, February 2, 2008 and February 3, 2007 include proceeds from merchandise sell-offs. Refer to Note 2 to the accompanying Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information regarding the components of net sales.
 
(3) The comparable store sales increase for the period ended February 2, 2008 is compared to the corresponding 52 week period in Fiscal 2006. The comparable store sales increase for the period ended February 3, 2007 is compared to the corresponding 53 week period in Fiscal 2005.
 
(4) All amounts presented exclude gift card service fee income, which was reclassified to other income, net during Fiscal 2006. Refer to Note 2 to the accompanying Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information regarding gift cards.
 
(5) Per share results for all periods presented reflect the three-for-two stock split distributed on December 18, 2006.
 
(6) Amounts for the year ended January 28, 2006 reflect certain assets of NLS as held-for-sale.
 
(7) Net sales per average square foot is calculated using retail store sales for the year divided by the straight average of the beginning and ending square footage for the year.

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ITEM 7.   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 our Consolidated Financial Statements and should be read in conjunction with those 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:
 
  •  the planned opening of 14 new American Eagle stores, 20 new aerie stores, and five new 77kids stores in the United States and Canada during Fiscal 2010;
 
  •  the selection of approximately 20 American Eagle stores in the United States and Canada for remodeling during Fiscal 2010;
 
  •  the planned closure of 15 to 25 American Eagle stores in the United States and Canada during Fiscal 2010;
 
  •  the planned opening of two new franchised American Eagle stores in the Middle East during Fiscal 2010;
 
  •  the planned closure of all 28 MARTIN+OSA stores and cessation of all online and corporate operations for the brand in Fiscal 2010;
 
  •  the success of aerie by American Eagle and aerie.com;
 
  •  the success of 77kids by american eagle and 77kids.com;
 
  •  the expected payment of a dividend in future periods;
 
  •  the possibility of growth through acquisitions, internally developing additional new brands, and/or engaging in future franchise agreements;
 
  •  the possibility that we may be required to take additional temporary impairment charges or net impairment losses recognized in earnings relating to our investment securities;
 
  •  the possibility that the amounts drawn on our demand borrowing agreements will be called for repayment and that the facilities may not be available for future borrowings; and
 
  •  the possibility that we may be required to take additional store impairment charges related to underperforming stores.
 
We caution that these forward-looking statements, and those described elsewhere in this report, involve material risks and uncertainties and are subject to change based on factors beyond our control, as discussed within Part I, Item 1A of this Form 10-K. Accordingly, our future performance and financial results may differ materially from those expressed or implied in any such forward-looking statement.
 
Critical Accounting Policies
 
Our Consolidated Financial Statements are prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States (“GAAP”), which require us to make estimates and assumptions that may affect the reported financial condition and results of operations should actual results differ from these estimates. We base our estimates and assumptions on the best available information and believe them to be reasonable for the circumstances. We believe that of our significant accounting policies, the following involve a higher degree of judgment and complexity. Refer to Note 2 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for a complete discussion of our significant accounting policies. Management has reviewed these critical accounting policies and estimates with the Audit Committee of our Board.
 
Revenue Recognition.  We record revenue for store sales upon the purchase of merchandise by customers. Our e-commerce operation records revenue upon the estimated customer receipt date of the merchandise. 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.


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Revenue is recorded net of estimated and actual sales returns and deductions for coupon redemptions and other promotions. The estimated sales return reserve is based on projected merchandise returns determined through the use of historical average return percentages. We do not believe there is a reasonable likelihood that there will be a material change in the future estimates or assumptions we use to calculate our sales return reserve. However, if the actual rate of sales returns increases significantly, our operating results could be adversely affected.
 
During Fiscal 2007, we discontinued assessing a service fee on inactive gift cards. As a result, we estimate gift card breakage and recognize revenue in proportion to actual gift card redemptions as a component of net sales. We determine 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.
 
Merchandise Inventory.  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.
 
We review our inventory in order to identify slow-moving merchandise and generally use markdowns to clear merchandise. Additionally, we estimate a markdown reserve for future planned markdowns related to current inventory. If 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, additional markdowns may be necessary. These markdowns may have a material adverse impact on earnings, depending on the extent and amount of inventory affected.
 
We estimate an inventory shrinkage reserve for anticipated losses for the period between the last physical count and the balance sheet date. The estimate for the shrinkage reserve is calculated based on historical percentages and can be affected by changes in merchandise mix and changes in actual shrinkage trends. We do not believe there is a reasonable likelihood that there will be a material change in the future estimates or assumptions we use to calculate our inventory shrinkage reserve. However, if actual physical inventory losses differ significantly from our estimate, our operating results could be adversely affected.
 
Asset Impairment.  In accordance with Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) Accounting Standard Codification (“ASC”) 360, Property, Plant, and Equipment, we evaluate long-lived assets for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value of an asset might not be recoverable. Assets are evaluated for impairment by comparing the projected undiscounted future cash flows of the asset, over its remaining useful life, to the carrying value. If the future undiscounted cash flows are projected to be less than the carrying value of the asset, we adjust the asset value to its estimated fair value and an impairment loss is recorded as a component of operating income under loss on impairment of assets.
 
Our impairment loss calculations require management to make assumptions and to apply judgment to estimate future cash flows and asset fair values, including forecasting useful lives of the assets and selecting the discount rate that reflects the risk inherent in future cash flows. We do not believe there is a reasonable likelihood that there will be a material change in the estimates or assumptions we use to calculate long-lived asset impairment losses. However, if actual results are not consistent with our estimates and assumptions, our operating results could be adversely affected.
 
Investment Securities.  In accordance with ASC 820, Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures (“ASC 820”), we measure our investment securities using Level 1, Level 2 and Level 3 inputs. Level 1 and Level 2 inputs are valued using quoted market prices while we use a discounted cash flow (“DCF”) model to determine the fair value of our Level 3 investments. The assumptions in our DCF model include different recovery periods depending on the type of security and varying discount factors for yield and illiquidity. These assumptions are subjective and they are based on our current judgment and our view of current market conditions. The use of different assumptions would result in a different valuation and related charge. Future adverse changes in market conditions, continued poor operating results of underlying investments or other factors could result in further losses that may not be reflected in an investment’s current carrying value, possibly requiring an additional net impairment loss recognized in earnings in the future. Any such charge could materially affect our results of operations.


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We evaluate our 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, we 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 us 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”).
 
Share-Based Payments.  We account for share-based payments in accordance with the provisions of ASC 718, Compensation — Stock Compensation (“ASC 718”). To determine the fair value of our stock option awards, we use the Black-Scholes option pricing model, which requires management to apply judgment and make assumptions to determine the fair value of our awards. These assumptions include estimating the length of time employees will retain their vested stock options before exercising them (the “expected term”) and the estimated volatility of the price of our common stock over the expected term.
 
We calculate a weighted-average expected term based on historical experience. Expected stock price volatility is based on a combination of historical volatility of our common stock and implied volatility. We chose to use a combination of historical and implied volatility as we believe that this combination is more representative of future stock price trends than historical volatility alone. Changes in these assumptions can materially affect the estimate of the fair value of our share-based payments and the related amount recognized in our Consolidated Financial Statements.
 
Income Taxes.  We calculate 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 our level and composition of earnings, tax laws or the deferred tax valuation allowance, as well as the results of tax audits may materially impact the effective tax rate.
 
Effective February 4, 2007, we adopted the accounting pronouncement now codified in ASC 740 regarding accounting for unrecognized tax benefits. This pronouncement 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.


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Key Performance Indicators
 
Our management evaluates the following items, which are considered key performance indicators, in assessing our performance:
 
Comparable store sales — Comparable store sales provide a measure of sales growth for stores open at least one year over the comparable prior year period. In fiscal years following those with 53 weeks, including Fiscal 2007, the prior year period is shifted by one week to compare similar calendar weeks. 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 a remodel 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 remodel. Sales from American Eagle, aerie and MARTIN+OSA stores are included in comparable store sales. Sales from AEO Direct are not included in comparable store sales.
 
Our management considers comparable store sales to be an important indicator of our current performance. Comparable store sales results are important to achieve leveraging of our costs, including store payroll, store supplies, rent, etc. Comparable store sales also have a direct impact on our total net sales, cash and working capital.
 
Gross profit — Gross profit measures whether we are optimizing the price and inventory levels of our merchandise and achieving an optimal level of sales. Gross profit is the difference between net sales and cost of sales. Cost of sales consists of: merchandise costs, including design, sourcing, importing and inbound freight costs, as well as markdowns, shrinkage, certain promotional 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. The inability to obtain acceptable levels of sales, initial markups or any significant increase in our use of markdowns could have an adverse effect on our gross profit and results of operations.
 
Operating income — Our management views operating income as a key indicator of our success. The key drivers of operating income are comparable store sales, gross profit, our ability to control selling, general and administrative expenses and our level of capital expenditures.
 
Store productivity — Store productivity, including net sales per average square foot, sales per productive hour, average unit retail price, conversion rate, the number of transactions per store, the number of units sold per store and the number of units per transaction, is evaluated by our management in assessing our operational performance.
 
Inventory turnover — Our management evaluates inventory turnover as a measure of how productively inventory is bought and sold. Inventory turnover is important as it can signal slow moving inventory. This can be critical in determining the need to take markdowns on merchandise.
 
Cash flow and liquidity — Our management evaluates cash flow from operations, investing and financing in determining the sufficiency of our cash position. Cash flow from operations has historically been sufficient to cover our uses of cash. Our management believes that cash flow from operations will be sufficient to fund anticipated capital expenditures and working capital requirements.
 
Results of Operations
 
Overview
 
Fiscal 2009 started with numerous challenges, including a difficult consumer environment, which impacted store traffic and transaction volume. This, combined with weak demand for AE merchandise, resulted in a sales and earnings decline during the first two quarters of Fiscal 2009 compared to Fiscal 2008. We made improvements to our product assortments and business stabilized, particularly during the second half of the year. Although third quarter operating results declined compared to 2008, we began to see an improved customer response to certain core


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categories such as AE jeans and graphic t-shirts. The business continued to strengthen with the holiday merchandise assortment, driving fourth quarter sales and earnings increases compared to 2008.
 
Fiscal 2009 net sales of approximately $3.0 billion increased slightly compared to Fiscal 2008. Annual comparable store sales decreased 4%. A higher merchandise margin reflected lower markdowns, due to the improvement during the fall and holiday seasons. Buying, occupancy and warehousing expenses increased as a result of rent related to new store growth. Total selling, general and administrative expenses increased 2%. Expense reductions in advertising and travel were offset by the accrual of incentive costs, which were not earned in Fiscal 2008.
 
Operating income as a percent to net sales was 8.0% for Fiscal 2009 compared to 10.1% for Fiscal 2008.
 
For Fiscal 2009, net income decreased to $169.0 million. As a percent to net sales, net income was 5.7% during Fiscal 2009 and 6.0% during Fiscal 2008. Net income per diluted share was $0.81 and $0.86 during Fiscal 2009 and Fiscal 2008, respectively.
 
We ended Fiscal 2009 with $896.4 million in cash, short-term and long-term investments, an increase of $161.5 million from last year. During the year, we continued to make investments in our business, including $127.4 million in capital expenditures. These expenditures related primarily to our new and remodeled stores in the U.S. and Canada, as well as headquarters, distribution center and information technology projects.
 
The following table shows, for the periods indicated, the percentage relationship to net sales of the listed items included in our Consolidated Statements of Operations.
 
                         
    For the Fiscal Years Ended  
    January 30,
    January 31,
    February 2,
 
    2010     2009     2008  
 
Net sales
    100.0 %     100.0 %     100.0 %
Cost of sales, including certain buying, occupancy and warehousing expenses
    61.3       60.7       53.4  
                         
Gross profit
    38.7       39.3       46.6  
Selling, general and administrative expenses
    25.2       24.6       23.4  
Loss on impairment of assets
    0.6       0.2        
Depreciation and amortization expense
    4.9       4.4       3.6  
                         
Operating income
    8.0       10.1       19.6  
Other (expense) income, net
    (0.2 )     0.6       1.2  
Net impairment loss recognized in earnings
          (0.8 )      
                         
Income before income taxes
    7.8       9.9       20.8  
Provision for income taxes
    2.1       3.9       7.7  
                         
Net income
    5.7 %     6.0 %     13.1 %
                         
 
Our operations are conducted in one reportable segment, which includes our 938 U.S. and Canadian AE retail stores, 137 aerie by American Eagle retail stores, 28 MARTIN+OSA retail stores and AEO Direct, as of January 30, 2010.
 
Comparison of Fiscal 2009 to Fiscal 2008
 
Net Sales
 
Net sales increased slightly to $2.991 billion from $2.989 billion. The increase resulted primarily from an increase in our conversion rate driven primarily by strong holiday sales. For Fiscal 2009, comparable store sales declined in the mid-single digits for both the AE Brand women’s and men’s business compared to Fiscal 2008.


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Gross Profit
 
Gross profit decreased 1% to $1.158 billion from $1.174 billion in Fiscal 2008. Gross profit as a percent to net sales decreased by 60 basis points to 38.7% from 39.3% last year. The percentage decrease was attributed to a 140 basis point increase in buying, occupancy and warehousing costs as a percent to net sales, partially offset by an 80 basis point increase in the merchandise margin rate as a percent to net sales. Merchandise margin increased for the period due primarily to decreased markdowns.
 
Buying, occupancy and warehousing expenses increased 140 basis points as a percent to net sales. This was primarily due to a 120 basis point increase in rent as a percent to net sales, driven by new store openings. Share-based payment expense included in gross profit increased to approximately $12.9 million compared to $5.7 million last year.
 
Our gross profit may not be comparable to that of other retailers, as some retailers include all costs related to their distribution network, as well as design costs in cost of sales. Other retailers may exclude a portion of these costs from cost of sales, including them in a line item such as selling, general and administrative expenses. Refer to Note 2 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for a description of our accounting policy regarding cost of sales, including certain buying, occupancy and warehousing expenses.
 
Selling, General and Administrative Expenses
 
Selling, general and administrative expenses increased 3% to $756.3 million from $734.0 million. As a percent to net sales, selling, general and administrative expenses increased by 60 basis points to 25.2% from 24.6% last year.
 
The higher rate this year is primarily due to incentive compensation of 90 basis points partially offset by improvement in advertising and travel expenses. Share-based payment expense included in selling, general and administrative expenses increased to approximately $24.0 million compared to $14.6 million last year.
 
Loss on Impairment of Assets
 
Loss on impairment of assets in Fiscal 2009 was $18.0 million, or 0.6% as a rate to net sales, compared to $6.7 million, or 0.2% as a rate to net sales in Fiscal 2008. This impairment relates primarily to underperforming M+O stores.
 
Refer to Note 15 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information regarding the planned closure of MARTIN+OSA.
 
Depreciation and Amortization Expense
 
Depreciation and amortization expense increased 11% to $145.4 million from $131.2 million last year. This increase is primarily due to a greater property and equipment base driven by our level of capital expenditures. As a percent to net sales, depreciation and amortization expense increased to 4.9% from 4.4% due to the increased expense as well as the impact of the comparable store sales decline.
 
Other (Expense) Income, Net
 
Other (expense) income, net decreased to $(5.1) million from $17.8 million, due primarily to lower interest income and a realized loss on the sale of preferred securities in Fiscal 2009 as well as a non-cash, non-operating foreign currency loss related to holding U.S. dollars in our Canadian subsidiary in anticipation of repatriation recorded this year.
 
Net Impairment Loss Recognized in Earnings
 
Net impairment loss recognized in earnings relating to our investment securities was $0.9 million compared to $22.9 million for Fiscal 2008.
 
Refer to the Fair Value Measurements caption below for additional information.


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Provision for Income Taxes
 
The effective income tax rate decreased to approximately 27% in Fiscal 2009 from 40% in Fiscal 2008. The decrease in the effective income tax rate was primarily the result of the tax benefit associated with the repatriation of foreign earnings from Canada as well as federal and state income tax settlements and other changes in income tax reserves. Additionally, the effective income tax rate was higher in Fiscal 2008 primarily as a result of the impairment charge recorded in connection with the valuation of certain ARS and auction rate preferred securities (“ARPS”) in which no income tax benefit was recognized. The repatriation of foreign earnings from Canada in Fiscal 2009 was a discrete event and has not changed the Company’s intention to indefinitely reinvest the earnings of our Canadian subsidiaries to the extent not repatriated.
 
Refer to Note 13 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information regarding our accounting for income taxes.
 
Net Income
 
Net income decreased to $169.0 million in Fiscal 2009 from $179.1 million in Fiscal 2008. As a percent to net sales, net income was 5.7% and 6.0% for Fiscal 2009 and Fiscal 2008. Net income per diluted share was $0.81 compared to $0.86 last year. The decrease in net income was attributable to the factors noted above.
 
Comparison of Fiscal 2008 to Fiscal 2007
 
Net Sales
 
Net sales decreased 2% to $2.989 billion from $3.055 billion. The decrease resulted primarily from a 10% decrease in comparable store sales despite an increase in sales from our e-commerce operation and an increase in gross square feet due to new and remodeled stores.
 
During Fiscal 2008, our AE Brand average transaction value was flat compared to Fiscal 2007. This was driven by a mid-single digit increase in units per transaction offset by a mid-single digit decline in average unit retail price. Comparable store sales were essentially flat in the AE Brand men’s business and declined in the high teens in the AE Brand women’s business compared to Fiscal 2007.
 
Gross Profit
 
Gross profit decreased 17% to $1.174 billion from $1.423 billion in Fiscal 2007. Gross margin as a percent to net sales decreased by 730 basis points to 39.3% from 46.6% last year. The percentage decrease was attributed to a 560 basis point decrease in the merchandise margin rate and a 170 basis point increase in buying, occupancy and warehousing costs as a percent to net sales. Merchandise margin decreased for the period due primarily to increased markdowns as well as an increase in merchandise costs.
 
Buying, occupancy and warehousing expenses increased 170 basis points as a percent to net sales. This was primarily due to a 160 basis point increase in rent as a percent to net sales, driven by new store openings and the negative comparable store sales, as well as higher utilities. These increases were partially offset by lower distribution and warehousing service costs due to bringing our AEO Direct fulfillment and Canadian distribution services in-house. Share-based payment expense included in gross profit decreased to approximately $5.7 million in Fiscal 2008 compared to $6.2 million in Fiscal 2007.
 
Our gross profit may not be comparable to that of other retailers, as some retailers include all costs related to their distribution network, as well as design costs in cost of sales. Other retailers may exclude a portion of these costs from cost of sales, including them in a line item such as selling, general and administrative expenses. Refer to Note 2 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for a description of our accounting policy regarding cost of sales, including certain buying, occupancy and warehousing expenses.


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Selling, General and Administrative Expenses
 
Selling, general and administrative expenses increased 3% to $734.0 million from $714.6 million. As a percent to net sales, selling, general and administrative expenses increased by 120 basis points to 24.6% in Fiscal 2008 from 23.4% in Fiscal 2007.
 
The higher rate in Fiscal 2008 is primarily due to the comparable store sales decline, partially offset by an improvement in incentive compensation of 100 basis points. Share-based payment expense included in selling, general and administrative expenses decreased to approximately $14.6 million in Fiscal 2008 compared to $27.5 million Fiscal 2007.
 
Loss on Impairment of Assets
 
Loss on impairment of assets in Fiscal 2008 was $6.7 million, or 0.2% as a rate to net sales, and relates primarily to underperforming M+O stores. This compares to $0.6 million in Fiscal 2007.
 
Depreciation and Amortization Expense
 
Depreciation and amortization expense increased 20% to $131.2 million in Fiscal 2008 from $109.2 million in Fiscal 2007. This increase is primarily due to a greater property and equipment base driven by our level of capital expenditures. As a percent to net sales, depreciation and amortization expense increased to 4.4% from 3.6% due to the increased expense as well as the impact of the comparable store sales decline during Fiscal 2008.
 
Other Income, Net
 
Other income, net decreased to $17.8 million from $37.6 million, due primarily to interest income decreasing to $18.9 million from $39.3 million. This resulted from decreased interest rates and lower investment balances compared to Fiscal 2007. Additionally, interest expense relating to our borrowings increased. Partially offsetting this decrease was a net $1.1 million foreign currency transaction gain compared to a $1.2 million loss during Fiscal 2007. This was the result of a stronger U.S. dollar.
 
Net Impairment Loss Recognized in Earnings
 
Net impairment loss recognized in earnings relating to our investment securities was $22.9 million for Fiscal 2008. There was no net impairment loss recognized in earnings during Fiscal 2007.
 
Refer to the Fair Value Measurements caption below for additional information.
 
Provision for Income Taxes
 
The effective income tax rate increased to approximately 40% in Fiscal 2008 from 37% in Fiscal 2007. The increase in the effective income tax rate was primarily related to the impairment charges recorded in connection with the valuation of certain ARS and ARPS investments in which no income tax benefit was recognized.
 
Refer to Note 13 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information regarding our accounting for income taxes.
 
Net Income
 
Net income in Fiscal 2008 decreased 55% to $179.1 million, or 6.0% as a percent to net sales, from $400.0 million, or 13.1% as a percent to net sales in Fiscal 2007. Net income per diluted share decreased to $0.86 in Fiscal 2008 from $1.82 in Fiscal 2007. The decrease in net income was attributable to the factors noted above. The decrease in net income per diluted share was attributable to the factors noted above partially offset by a lower weighted average share count in Fiscal 2008 compared to Fiscal 2007 as a result of share repurchases during Fiscal 2007, as well as a lower average price of our common stock during Fiscal 2008.


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MARTIN+OSA Fiscal 2009 Results of Operations
 
On March 5, 2010, our Board approved management’s recommendation to proceed with the closure M+O. We 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.
 
In Fiscal 2009, M+O recorded net sales from store and online operations of approximately $50 million and generated an after-tax loss of approximately $44 million, including a non-cash impairment charge of approximately $11 million, net of tax. The results of operations include store, online, corporate and other expenses directly attributable to M+O operations.
 
Fiscal 2010 Outlook
 
Looking ahead, we expect consumers to remain cautious and highly sensitive to pricing. However, our outlook for Fiscal 2010 is more favorable than for Fiscal 2009, based on improvements across merchandising and design. We believe that on-trend merchandise assortments, more frequent flow of new merchandise and strong value offerings should drive sales and earnings growth. We are continuing to control expenses and have planned capital spending below Fiscal 2009. We believe that our current cash holdings and cash generated from operations in Fiscal 2010 will be sufficient to fund anticipated capital expenditures and working capital requirements.
 
Fair Value Measurements
 
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. We have adopted the provisions of ASC 820 as of February 3, 2008, for our items measured at fair value on a recurring basis, which include ARS. We have adopted the provisions of ASC 820-10-65 as of February 1, 2009 for items measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis, including goodwill and property and equipment. Additionally, we adopted the provisions of ASC 320-10-65 as of May 3, 2009 for our financial instruments measured at fair value.
 
Financial Instruments
 
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 this three-tier fair value hierarchy, which prioritizes the inputs used in measuring fair value. These tiers include:
 
  •  Level 1 — Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities
 
  •  Level 2 — Inputs other than Level 1 that are observable, either directly or indirectly, such as quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities; quoted prices in markets that are not active; or other inputs that are observable or can be corroborated by observable market data for substantially the full term of the assets or liabilities.
 
  •  Level 3 — Unobservable inputs (i.e. projections, estimates, interpretations, etc.) that are supported by little or no market activity and that are significant to the fair value of the assets or liabilities.
 
As of January 30, 2010, we 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.


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In accordance with ASC 820, the following table represents the fair value hierarchy for our financial assets (cash equivalents and investments) measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of January 30, 2010:
 
                                 
    Fair Value Measurements at January 30, 2010  
          Quoted Market
             
          Prices in Active
          Significant
 
    Carrying Amount
    Markets for
    Significant Other
    Unobservable
 
    as of January 30,
    Identical Assets
    Observable Inputs
    Inputs
 
    2010     (Level 1)     (Level 2)     (Level 3)  
    (In thousands)  
 
Cash and Cash Equivalents
                               
Cash
  $ 144,391     $ 144,391     $     $  
Commercial paper
    25,420       25,420              
Treasury bills
    119,988       119,988              
Money-market
    404,161       404,161              
                                 
Total cash and cash equivalents
  $ 693,960     $ 693,960     $     $  
Short-term Investments
                               
Student-loan backed ARS
  $ 400     $     $     $ 400  
State and local government ARS
    4,275                   4,275  
                                 
Total Short-term Investments
  $ 4,675     $     $     $ 4,675  
Long-term Investments
                               
Student-loan backed ARS
  $ 149,031     $     $     $ 149,031  
State and local government ARS
    35,969                   35,969  
Auction rate preferred securities
    12,773                   12,773  
                                 
Total Long-term Investments
  $ 197,773     $     $     $ 197,773  
                                 
Total
  $ 896,408     $ 693,960     $     $ 202,448  
                                 
Percent to total
    100.0 %     77.4 %     0.0 %     22.6 %
                                 
 
We used a discounted cash flow (“DCF”) model to value our Level 3 investments. The assumptions in our model included different recovery periods, ranging from 0.5 year to 11 years, depending on the type of security and varying discount factors for yield, ranging from 0.3% to 6.6%, and illiquidity, ranging from 0.3% to 4.0%. These assumptions are subjective. They are based on our current judgment and our view of current market conditions. The use of different assumptions would result in a different valuation and related charge. For example, an increase in the recovery period by one year would reduce the fair value of our investment in ARS by approximately $1.4 million. An increase to the discount rate and illiquidity premium of 100 basis points would reduce the estimated fair value of our investment in auction rate securities by approximately $5.6 million.
 
As a result of the discounted cash flow analysis for Fiscal 2009, we recorded a net recovery of $25.0 million ($15.5 million, net of tax) which reduced the total cumulative impairment recognized in other comprehensive income (“OCI”) as of January 30, 2010 to $10.3 million ($6.4 million, net of tax) from $35.3 million ($21.8 million, net of tax) at the end of Fiscal 2008. The reversal of temporary impairment was primarily driven by calls at par for the Company’s private-insured student loan ARS. As a result of the settlements, the securities which were previously impaired were revalued at par. These amounts were recorded in OCI and resulted in an increase in the investments’ estimated fair values. The net increase in fair value was partially offset by $0.9 million of net impairment loss recognized in earnings during Fiscal 2009 as a result of credit rating downgrades.


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The following table presents a rollforward of the amount of net impairment loss recognized in earnings related to credit losses:
 
         
    For the Year Ended
 
    January 30, 2010  
    (In thousands)  
 
Beginning balance of credit losses previously recognized in earnings
  $  
Year-to-date OTTI credit losses recognized in earnings
    940  
         
Ending balance of cumulative credit losses recognized in earnings
  $ 940  
         
 
The reconciliation of our assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis using unobservable inputs (Level 3) is as follows:
 
                                 
    Level 3 (Unobservable Inputs)  
                Student
       
                Loan-
       
          Auction-
    Backed
       
          Rate
    Auction-
    Auction-Rate
 
          Municipal
    Rate
    Preferred
 
    Total     Securities     Securities     Securities  
    (In thousands)  
 
Carrying value at January 31, 2009
  $ 251,007     $ 69,970     $ 169,254     $ 11,783  
Settlements
    (72,600 )     (29,900 )     (42,700 )      
Gains and (losses):
                               
Reported in earnings
    (940 )                 (940 )
Reported in OCI
    24,981       174       22,877       1,930  
                                 
Balance at January 30, 2010
  $ 202,448     $ 40,244     $ 149,431     $ 12,773  
                                 
 
Refer to Notes 3 and 4 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information on our investment securities, including a description of the securities and a discussion of the uncertainties relating to their liquidity.
 
Non-Financial Assets
 
Our 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 we are 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. Resulting from our annual goodwill impairment test performed as of January 30, 2010, we concluded that our goodwill was not impaired.
 
Additionally, certain long-lived assets were measured at estimated fair value on a nonrecurring basis using Level 3 inputs as defined in ASC 820. Based on our review of the operating performance and projections of underperforming stores, we determined that certain underperforming stores would not be able to generate sufficient cash flow over the life of the related leases to recover our initial investment in them. The estimated 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. We estimate future cash flows based on our experience and knowledge of the market in which the store is located. During Fiscal 2009, certain long-lived assets with a carrying value of $18.0 million, primarily related to 10 M+O stores, were determined to be unable to recover their respective carrying values and, therefore, were written down to their estimated fair value, resulting in a loss on impairment of assets of $18.0 million.
 
Liquidity and Capital Resources
 
Our uses of cash are generally for working capital, the construction of new stores and remodeling of existing stores, information technology upgrades, distribution center improvements and expansion, the purchase of both short and long-term investments, the repurchase of common stock and the payment of dividends. Historically, these uses of cash have been funded with cash flow from operations and existing cash on hand. Additionally, our uses of cash include the completion of our new corporate headquarters, the development of aerie by American Eagle and


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the development of 77kids by american eagle. We expect to be able to fund our future cash requirements through current cash holdings as well as cash generated from operations. In the future, we expect that our uses of cash will also include further development of aerie by American Eagle and 77kids by american eagle.
 
Our growth strategy includes internally developing new brands and the possibility of further franchising arrangements or acquisitions. 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.
 
The following sets forth certain measures of our liquidity:
 
                 
    January 30,
  January 31,
    2010   2009
 
Working Capital (in 000’s)
  $ 758,075     $ 523,596  
Current Ratio
    2.85       2.30  
 
The increase of our working capital and current ratio as of January 30, 2010 compared to January 31, 2009, is primarily related to an increase in cash and cash equivalents as a result of cash from operations as well as the liquidation of long-term investments.
 
Cash Flows from Operating Activities
 
Net cash provided by operating activities totaled $386.5 million during Fiscal 2009 compared to $303.3 million during Fiscal 2008 and $464.7 million during Fiscal 2007. Our major source of cash from operations was merchandise sales. Our primary outflows of cash from operations were for the purchase of inventory and operational costs.
 
The increase in net cash provided by operating activities of $83.2 million from the prior year was driven primarily by an increase in accrued compensation due to incentive compensation accruals during Fiscal 2009 as well as an increase in prepaid taxes due to the timing of payments.
 
Cash Flows from Investing Activities
 
Investing activities for Fiscal 2009 included $127.4 million for capital expenditures partially offset by $80.4 million from the sale of investments classified as available-for-sale. Investing activities for Fiscal 2008 included $344.9 million from the net sale of investments classified as available-for-sale, partially offset by $265.3 million for capital expenditures. Investing activities for Fiscal 2007 primarily included $354.2 million for the net sale of investments classified as available-for-sale as well as $250.4 million for capital expenditures.
 
We invest our cash primarily in liquid money market funds. We also have investments, made under our prior investment policy, in auction rate and auction rate preferred securities, with an original contractual maturity of up to 39 years and an expected rate of return of approximately a 0.8% taxable equivalent yield. All investments made under our new investment policy must have a highly liquid secondary market at the time of purchase and an effective maturity not exceeding two years.
 
Cash Flows from Financing Activities
 
During Fiscal 2009, cash used for financing activities resulted primarily from $83.0 million used for the payment of dividends and the partial repayment of $45.0 million in borrowings against our demand line of credit. During Fiscal 2008, cash used for financing activities resulted primarily from $82.4 million used for the payment of dividends partially offset by $75.0 million in borrowings against our demand line of credit. During Fiscal 2007, cash used for financing activities resulted primarily from $438.3 million used for the repurchase of our common stock as part of our publicly announced repurchase program and $80.8 million used for the payment of dividends.
 
ASC 718 requires that cash flows resulting from the benefits of tax deductions in excess of recognized compensation cost for share-based payments be classified as financing cash flows. Accordingly, for Fiscal 2009,


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2008 and 2007, the excess tax benefit from share-based payments of $2.8 million, $0.7 million and $6.2 million, respectively, are classified as financing cash flows.
 
Capital Expenditures
 
Fiscal 2009 capital expenditures were $127.4 million, which reflected a significant reduction compared to Fiscal 2008 capital expenditures of $265.3 million. Fiscal 2009 expenditures included $80.7 million related to investments in our AE stores, including 29 new AE and aerie stores in the United States and Canada, 22 remodeled stores in the United States and fixtures and visual investments. Additionally, we continued to support our infrastructure growth by investing in home office projects including the construction of our corporate headquarters in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania ($23.5 million), the expansion and improvement of our distribution centers ($12.0 million) and information technology ($11.2 million).
 
For Fiscal 2010, we will continue with our reduced spending plan. We expect capital expenditures to be in the range of $100.0 million to $120.0 million with approximately half of the amount relating to store growth and renovation.
 
Credit Facilities
 
We have borrowing agreements with four separate financial institutions under which we may borrow an aggregate of $325.0 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, $100.0 million USD and $25.0 million CAD can be used for demand line borrowings and the remaining $25.0 million USD can be used for either letters of credit or demand line borrowings at our discretion. The $100.0 million USD of demand line credit is comprised of two facilities each with $50.0 million USD of borrowing capacity. The expiration dates of the two demand line facilities are April 21, 2010 and May 22, 2010. The $25.0 million CAD of demand line credit was established during Fiscal 2009, and is provided at the discretion of the lender.
 
During Fiscal 2009, we reduced the amount of credit available that could be used for either letters of credit or as a demand line from $100.0 million USD to $25.0 million USD. This request was made by the lender due to our low utilization of this credit facility. The reduction was effective July 3, 2009 and had no material impact on our consolidated financial statements or on our ability to fund our operations. Additionally, during Fiscal 2009, we increased our borrowing capacity for demand letters of credit from $150.0 million USD to $200.0 million USD.
 
As of January 30, 2010 we had outstanding trade and standby letters of credit of $51.5 million USD and demand line borrowings of $30.0 million USD, which reflects a $45.0 million USD reduction in outstanding borrowings, as a result of a voluntary partial repayment made during Fiscal 2009. The outstanding amounts on the demand line borrowings can be called for repayment by the financial institutions at any time. Additionally, the availability of any remaining borrowings is subject to acceptance by the respective financial institutions. The average borrowing rate on the demand lines for Fiscal 2009 was 2.5% and we have incorporated the outstanding demand line borrowings into working capital.
 
Stock Repurchases
 
During Fiscal 2007, our 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. During Fiscal 2007, we repurchased 18.7 million shares as part of our publicly announced repurchase program for approximately $438.3 million, at a weighted average price of $23.38 per share. We did not repurchase any common stock as part of our publicly announced repurchase program during Fiscal 2008 or Fiscal 2009. At January 30, 2010, the authorization to repurchase 11.3 million shares of our common stock under our share repurchase program expired. As of March 26, 2010, we had 30.0 million shares remaining authorized for repurchase. These shares will be repurchased at our discretion. The authorization relating to the remaining 30.0 million shares expires at the end of Fiscal 2010.
 
During Fiscal 2009 and Fiscal 2008, we repurchased approximately 18,000 and 0.2 million shares, respectively, from certain employees at market prices totaling $0.2 million and $3.4 million, respectively. These shares


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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 aforementioned share repurchases have been recorded as treasury stock.
 
Dividends
 
A $0.10 per share dividend was paid during each quarter of Fiscal 2009 and Fiscal 2008. Subsequent to the fourth quarter of Fiscal 2009, our Board declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.10 per share, payable on April 9, 2010, to stockholders of record at the close of business on March 29, 2010. The payment of future dividends is at the discretion of our Board and is based on future earnings, cash flow, financial condition, capital requirements, changes in U.S. taxation and other relevant factors. It is anticipated that any future dividends paid will be declared on a quarterly basis.
 
Obligations and Commitments
 
Disclosure about Contractual Obligations
 
The following table summarizes our significant contractual obligations as of January 30, 2010:
 
                                         
    Payments Due by Period  
          Less than
    1-3
    3-5
    More than
 
    Total     1 Year     Years     Years     5 Years  
    (In thousands)  
 
Operating leases(1)
  $ 1,744,507     $ 242,859     $ 437,375     $ 371,225     $ 693,048  
Unrecognized tax benefits(2)
    38,618                         38,618  
Purchase obligations(3)
    376,900       369,527       3,078       3,514       781  
                                         
Total contractual obligations
  $ 2,160,025     $ 612,386     $ 440,453     $ 374,739     $ 732,447  
                                         
 
 
(1) Operating lease obligations consist primarily of future minimum lease commitments related to store operating leases (Refer to Note 9 to the Consolidated Financial Statements). Operating lease obligations do not include common area maintenance, insurance or tax payments for which we are also obligated.
 
(2) The amount of unrecognized tax benefits as of January 30, 2010 was $38.6 million, including approximately $7.0 million of accrued interest and penalties. Unrecognized tax benefits are positions taken or expected to be taken on an income tax return that may result in additional payments to tax authorities. The Company does not anticipate that any significant unrecognized tax benefits will be realized within one year. Accordingly, the balance of the unrecognized tax benefits are included in the “More than 5 Years” column as we are not able to reasonably estimate the timing of the potential future payments.
 
(3) Purchase obligations primarily include binding commitments to purchase merchandise inventory as well as other legally binding commitments made in the normal course of business. Included in the above purchase obligations are inventory commitments guaranteed by outstanding letters of credit, as shown in the table below.
 
Disclosure about Commercial Commitments
 
The following table summarizes our significant commercial commitments as of January 30, 2010:
 
                                         
    Amount of Commitment Expiration per Period  
    Total Amount
    Less than
    1-3
    3-5
    More than
 
    Committed     1 Year     Years     Years     5 Years  
    (In thousands)  
 
Letters of credit(1)
  $ 51,468     $ 51,468                    
                                         
Total commercial commitments
  $ 51,468     $ 51,468                    
                                         
 
 
(1) Letters of credit represent commitments, guaranteed by a bank, to pay vendors for merchandise upon presentation of documents demonstrating that the merchandise has shipped.


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Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements
 
We are not a party to any off-balance sheet arrangements.
 
Recent Accounting Pronouncements
 
Recent accounting pronouncements are disclosed in Note 2 of the Consolidated Financial Statements.
 
Certain Relationships and Related Party Transactions
 
Refer to Part III, Item 13 of this Form 10-K for information regarding related party transactions.
 
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.
 
ITEM 7A.   QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK
 
We have market risk exposure related to interest rates and foreign currency exchange rates. Market risk is measured as the potential negative impact on earnings, cash flows or fair values resulting from a hypothetical change in interest rates or foreign currency exchange rates over the next year.
 
Interest Rate Risk
 
Our earnings are affected by changes in market interest rates as a result of our investments in money market funds and auction rate securities, which have long-term contractual maturities but feature variable interest rates that reset at short-term intervals. If our Fiscal 2009 average yield rate decreases by 10% in Fiscal 2010, our income before taxes will decrease by approximately $0.2 million. Comparatively, if our Fiscal 2008 portfolio average yield rate had decreased by 10% in Fiscal 2009, our income before taxes would have decreased by approximately $0.8 million. These amounts are determined by considering the impact of the hypothetical yield rates on our cash, short-term and long-term investment balances.
 
Additionally, borrowings under our demand lines, which expire on April 21, 2010 and May 22, 2010, bear interest at variable rates based on the prime rate or LIBOR. At January 30, 2010, the weighted average interest rate on our borrowings was 2.1%. Based upon a sensitivity analysis as of January 30, 2010, assuming average outstanding borrowing during Fiscal 2009 of $62.7 million, a 50 basis point increase in interest rates would have resulted in a potential increase in interest expense of approximately $313,000.
 
These analyses do not consider the effects of the reduced level of overall investments that could happen in such an environment. Further, in the event of a change of such magnitude, management would likely take actions to further mitigate its exposure to the change. However, due to the uncertainty of the specific actions that would be taken and their possible effects, the sensitivity analysis assumes no changes in our investments structure.
 
Foreign Exchange Rate Risk
 
We are exposed to the impact of foreign exchange rate risk primarily through our Canadian operations where the functional currency is the Canadian dollar. We do not utilize hedging instruments to mitigate foreign currency exchange risks. We believe our foreign currency translation risk is minimal as a hypothetical 10% change in the Canadian foreign exchange rate would not materially affect our results of operations or cash flows.


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ITEM 8.   FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA.
 
Index to Consolidated Financial Statements
 
         
    35  
    36  
    37  
    38  
    39  
    40  
    41  


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Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
 
The Board of Directors and Stockholders of
American Eagle Outfitters, Inc.
 
We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of American Eagle Outfitters, Inc. (the Company) as of January 30, 2010 and January 31, 2009, and the related consolidated statements of operations, comprehensive income, stockholders’ equity, and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended January 30, 2010. These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on our audits.
 
We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
 
In our opinion, the financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the consolidated financial position of American Eagle Outfitters, Inc. at January 30, 2010 and January 31, 2009, and the consolidated results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended January 30, 2010, in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles.
 
As discussed in Note 13 to the consolidated financial statements, the Company changed its accounting for income tax uncertainties effective February 4, 2007.
 
We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), American Eagle Outfitters, Inc.’s internal control over financial reporting as of January 30, 2010, based on criteria established in Internal Control — Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission and our report dated March 26, 2010 expressed an unqualified opinion.
 
/s/  Ernst & Young LLP
 
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
March 26, 2010


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AMERICAN EAGLE OUTFITTERS, INC.
 
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
 
                 
    January 30,
    January 31,
 
    2010     2009  
    (In thousands, except per share amounts)  
 
ASSETS
Current assets:
               
Cash and cash equivalents
  $ 693,960     $ 473,342  
Short-term investments
    4,675       10,511  
Merchandise inventory
    326,454       294,928  
Accounts receivable
    34,746       41,471  
Prepaid expenses and other
    47,039       59,660  
Deferred income taxes
    60,156       45,447  
                 
Total current assets
    1,167,030       925,359  
                 
Property and equipment, at cost, net of accumulated depreciation and amortization
    713,142       740,240  
Goodwill
    11,210       10,706  
Long-term investments
    197,773       251,007  
Non-current deferred income taxes
    27,305       15,001  
Other assets, net
    21,688       21,363  
                 
Total assets
  $ 2,138,148     $ 1,963,676  
                 
 
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
Current liabilities:
               
Accounts payable
  $ 158,526     $ 152,068  
Note payable
    30,000       75,000  
Accrued compensation and payroll taxes
    55,144       29,417  
Accrued rent
    68,866       64,695  
Accrued income and other taxes
    20,585       6,259  
Unredeemed gift cards and gift certificates
    39,389       42,299  
Current portion of deferred lease credits
    17,388       13,726  
Other liabilities and accrued expenses
    19,057       18,299  
                 
Total current liabilities
    408,955       401,763  
                 
Non-current liabilities:
               
Deferred lease credits
    89,591       88,314  
Non-current accrued income taxes
    38,618       39,898  
Other non-current liabilities
    22,467       24,670  
                 
Total non-current liabilities
    150,676       152,882  
                 
Commitments and contingencies
           
Stockholders’ equity:
               
Preferred stock, $0.01 par value; 5,000 shares authorized; none issued and outstanding
           
Common stock, $0.01 par value; 600,000 shares authorized; 249,561 and 249,328 shares issued; 206,832 and 205,281 shares outstanding, respectively
    2,486       2,485  
Contributed capital
    554,399       513,574  
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)
    16,838       (14,389 )
Retained earnings
    1,764,049       1,694,161  
Treasury stock, 41,737 and 43,248 shares, respectively, at cost
    (759,255 )     (786,800 )
                 
Total stockholders’ equity
    1,578,517       1,409,031  
                 
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity
  $ 2,138,148     $ 1,963,676  
                 
 
Refer to Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements


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AMERICAN EAGLE OUTFITTERS, INC.
 
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
 
                         
    For the Years Ended  
    January 30,
    January 31,
    February 2,
 
    2010     2009     2008  
    (In thousands, except per share amounts)  
 
Net sales
  $ 2,990,520     $ 2,988,866     $ 3,055,419  
Cost of sales, including certain buying, occupancy and warehousing expenses
    1,832,471       1,814,765       1,632,281  
                         
Gross profit
    1,158,049       1,174,101       1,423,138  
Selling, general and administrative expenses
    756,256       734,029       714,588  
Loss on impairment of assets
    17,992       6,713       592  
Depreciation and amortization expense
    145,408       131,219       109,203  
                         
Operating income
    238,393       302,140       598,755  
Other (expense) income, net
    (5,062 )     17,790       37,626  
                         
Total other-than-temporary impairment losses
    (4,413 )     (22,889 )      
Portion of loss recognized in other comprehensive income, before tax
    3,473              
                         
Net impairment loss recognized in earnings
    (940 )     (22,889 )      
                         
Income before income taxes
    232,391       297,041       636,381  
Provision for income taxes
    63,369       117,980       236,362  
                         
Net income
  $ 169,022     $ 179,061     $ 400,019  
                         
Basic income per common share
  $ 0.82     $ 0.87     $ 1.85  
Diluted income per common share
  $ 0.81     $ 0.86     $ 1.82  
Weighted average common shares outstanding — basic
    206,171       205,169       216,119  
Weighted average common shares outstanding — diluted
    209,512       207,582       220,280  
 
Refer to Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements


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AMERICAN EAGLE OUTFITTERS, INC.
 
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
 
                         
    For the Years Ended  
    January 30,
    January 31,
    February 2,
 
    2010     2009     2008  
    (In thousands)  
 
Net income
  $ 169,022     $ 179,061     $ 400,019  
Other comprehensive income (loss):
                       
Temporary recovery (impairment) related to investment securities, net of tax
    14,506       (22,795 )      
Reclassification adjustment for OTTI charges realized in net income related to ARS
    940       751        
Reclassification adjustment for losses realized in net income due to the sale of available-for-sale securities, net of tax
          197       242  
Unrealized (loss) gain on investments, net of tax
          (378 )     947  
Foreign currency translation adjustment
    15,781       (27,649 )     12,582  
                         
Other comprehensive income (loss)
    31,227       (49,874 )     13,771  
                         
Comprehensive income
  $ 200,249     $ 129,187     $ 413,790  
                         
 
Refer to Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements


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AMERICAN EAGLE OUTFITTERS, INC.
 
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
 
                                                                 
                                  Accumulated
             
                                  Other
             
    Shares
                            Comprehensive
             
    Outstanding
    Common
    Contributed
    Retained
    Treasury
    Income
    Stockholders’
       
    (1)     Stock     Capital     Earnings     Stock(2)     (Loss)     Equity        
    (In thousands, except per share amounts)        
 
Balance at February 3, 2007
    221,284       2,461       453,418       1,302,345       (362,626 )     21,714       1,417,312          
                                                                 
Adoption of ASC 740 regarding accounting for unrecognized tax benefits
                      (13,304 )                 (13,304 )        
                                                                 
Balance at February 4, 2007
    221,284       2,461       453,418       1,289,041       (362,626 )     21,714       1,404,008          
                                                                 
Stock awards
    1,092       20       39,977                         39,997          
Repurchase of common stock as part of publicly announced programs
    (18,750 )                       (438,291 )           (438,291 )        
Repurchase of common stock from employees
    (415 )                       (12,310 )           (12,310 )        
Reissuance of treasury stock
    1,269                   (6,480 )     20,546             14,066          
Net income
                      400,019                     400,019          
Other comprehensive income, net of tax
                                  13,771       13,771          
Cash dividends ($0.38 per share)
                      (80,796 )                 (80,796 )        
                                                                 
Balance at February 2, 2008
    204,480     $ 2,481     $ 493,395     $ 1,601,784     $ (792,681 )   $ 35,485     $ 1,340,464          
                                                                 
Stock awards
    453       4       20,179       420                   20,603          
Repurchase of common stock from employees
    (164 )                       (3,432 )           (3,432 )        
Reissuance of treasury stock
    512                   (4,710 )     9,313             4,603          
Net income
                      179,061                   179,061          
Other comprehensive loss, net of tax
                                  (49,874 )     (49,874 )        
Cash dividends ($0.40 per share)
                      (82,394 )                 (82,394 )        
                                                                 
Balance at January 31, 2009
    205,281     $ 2,485     $ 513,574     $ 1,694,161     $ (786,800 )   $ (14,389 )   $ 1,409,031          
                                                                 
Stock awards
    41       1       40,825                         40,826          
Repurchase of common stock from employees
    (18 )                       (247 )           (247 )        
Reissuance of treasury stock
    1,528                   (15,228 )     27,792             12,564          
Net income
                      169,022                   169,022          
Other comprehensive income, net of tax
                                  31,227       31,227          
Cash dividends and dividend equivalents ($0.40 per share)
                      (83,906 )                 (83,906 )        
                                                                 
Balance at January 30, 2010
    206,832     $ 2,486     $ 554,399     $ 1,764,049     $ (759,255 )   $ 16,838     $ 1,578,517          
                                                                 
 
 
(1) 600,000 authorized, 249,561 issued and 206,832 outstanding (excluding 992 shares of non-vested restricted stock), $0.01 par value common stock at January 30, 2010; 600,000 authorized, 249,328 issued and 205,281 outstanding (excluding 799 shares of non-vested restricted stock), $0.01 par value common stock at January 31, 2009; 600,000 authorized, 248,763 issued and 204,480 outstanding (excluding 687 shares of non-vested restricted stock), $0.01 par value common stock at February 2, 2008; The Company has 5,000 authorized, with none issued or outstanding, $0.01 par value preferred stock at January 30, 2010, January 31, 2009 and February 2, 2008.
 
(2) 41,737 shares, 43,248 shares and 43,596 shares at January 30, 2010, January 31, 2009 and February 2, 2008, respectively. During Fiscal 2009 Fiscal 2008 and Fiscal 2007, 1,528 shares, 512 shares and 1,269 shares, respectively, were reissued from treasury stock for the issuance of share-based payments.
 
Refer to Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements


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AMERICAN EAGLE OUTFITTERS, INC.
 
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
 
                         
    For the Years Ended  
    January 30,
    January 31,
    February 2,
 
    2010     2009     2008  
    (In thousands)  
 
Operating activities:
                       
Net income
  $ 169,022     $ 179,061     $ 400,019  
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities
                       
Depreciation and amortization
    147,483       133,141       110,753  
Share-based compensation
    36,900       20,296       33,670  
Provision for deferred income taxes
    (36,027 )     24,469       (8,147 )
Tax benefit from share-based payments
    7,995       1,121       7,260  
Excess tax benefit from share-based payments
    (2,812 )     (693 )     (6,156 )
Foreign currency transaction loss (gain)
    6,477       (1,141 )     1,221  
Loss on impairment of assets
    17,992       6,713       592  
Net impairment loss recognized in earnings
    940       22,889        
Realized loss on sale of investment securities
    2,749       1,117       393  
Changes in assets and liabilities:
                       
Merchandise inventory
    (27,994 )     (13,735 )     (19,074 )
Accounts receivable
    7,052       (10,094 )     (5,660 )
Prepaid expenses and other
    13,063       (24,781 )     (1,334 )
Other assets, net
    1,146       390       (3,242 )
Accounts payable
    4,992       (3,053 )     (15,559 )
Unredeemed gift cards and gift certificates
    (3,430 )     (11,392 )     (699 )
Deferred lease credits
    4,173       18,887       4,640  
Accrued compensation and payroll taxes
    25,528       (19,799 )     (9,144 )
Accrued income and other taxes
    12,862       (20,697 )     (31,416 )
Accrued liabilities
    (1,649 )     611       6,546  
                         
Total adjustments
    217,440       124,249       64,644  
                         
Net cash provided by operating activities
    386,462       303,310       464,663  
                         
Investing activities:
                       
Capital expenditures
    (127,419 )     (265,335 )     (250,407 )
Purchase of available-for-sale securities
          (48,655 )     (1,772,653 )
Sale of available-for-sale securities
    80,353       393,559       2,126,891  
Other investing activities
    (2,003 )     (2,297 )     (1,563 )
                         
Net cash (used for) provided by investing activities
    (49,069 )     77,272       102,268  
                         
Financing activities:
                       
Payments on capital leases
    (2,015 )     (2,177 )     (1,912 )
Proceeds from issuance of note payable
          75,000        
Partial repayment of note payable
    (45,000 )            
Repurchase of common stock as part of publicly announced programs
                (438,291 )
Repurchase of common stock from employees
    (247 )     (3,432 )     (12,310 )
Net proceeds from stock options exercised
    7,630       3,799       13,183  
Excess tax benefit from share-based payments
    2,812       693       6,156  
Cash dividends paid
    (82,985 )     (82,394 )     (80,796 )
                         
Net cash used for financing activities
    (119,805 )     (8,511 )     (513,970 )
                         
Effect of exchange rates on cash
    3,030       (14,790 )     3,363  
                         
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents
    220,618       357,281       56,324  
Cash and cash equivalents — beginning of period
    473,342       116,061       59,737  
                         
Cash and cash equivalents — end of period
  $ 693,960     $ 473,342     $ 116,061  
                         
 
Refer to Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements


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AMERICAN EAGLE OUTFITTERS, INC.
 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED JANUARY 30, 2010
 
1.   Business Operations
 
American Eagle Outfitters, Inc., a Delaware corporation, (the “Company”), operates under the American Eagle® (“AE”), aerie® by American Eagle, 77kids by american eagle® and MARTIN+OSA® brands.
 
Founded in 1977, American Eagle Outfitters is a leading apparel and accessories retailer that operates more than 1,000 retail stores in the U.S. and Canada, and online at ae.com®. Through its family of brands, AEO, Inc. offers high quality, on-trend clothing, accessories and personal care products at affordable prices. The Company’s online business, AEO Direct, ships to 75 countries worldwide.
 
American Eagle Outfitters® boasts a passionate and loyal customer base ranging from college students to Hollywood celebrities. The Company focuses on delivering the right product at the right price, combined with a philosophy of operational excellence and discipline across the organization.
 
AE Brand
 
The American Eagle Outfitters® brand targets 15- to 25-year old girls and guys, achieving the perfect combination of American prep and current fashion. Denim is the cornerstone of the American Eagle® product assortment, which is completed by other key categories including sweaters, graphic t-shirts, fleece, outerwear and accessories. The American Eagle® attitude is honest, real, individual and fun. American Eagle® is priced to be worn by everyone, everyday, delivering value through quality and style.
 
aerie by American Eagle
 
In the fall of 2006, the Company launched aerie® by American Eagle (“aerie”), a collection of Dormwear®, intimates, and personal care products for the 15- to 25-year-old AE® girl. The collection is available in 137 standalone aerie stores throughout the country, online at aerie.com, and at select American Eagle® stores. aerie® features a complete fitness line called aerie f.i.t.tm, as well as a personal care collection that includes fragrance, body care and cosmetics to complement the aerie lifestyle. Designed to be sexy, comfortable and cozy, aerie® offers AE® customers a new way to express their personal style everyday.
 
77kids by american eagle
 
Introduced in October of 2008 as an online-only brand, 77kids® by american eagle® (“77kids”) offers on-trend, high-quality clothing and accessories for kids ages two to 10. The Company plans to open five 77kids® brick-and-mortar stores in Fiscal 2010. The brand draws from the strong heritage of American Eagle Outfitters®, with a point-of-view that’s thoughtful, playful and real. Like American Eagle® clothing, 77kids focuses on great fit, value and style.
 
MARTIN+OSA
 
MARTIN+OSA® (“M+O”) provides clothing and accessories for 28- to 40-year old men and women at its 28 stores and online at www.martinandosa.com.
 
Refer to Note 15 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information regarding the planned closure of MARTIN+OSA.
 
AEO Direct
 
We sell merchandise via our e-commerce operations, ae.com, aerie.com, 77kids.com and martinandosa.com, which are extensions of the lifestyle that we convey in our stores. We currently ship to 75 countries.


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AMERICAN EAGLE OUTFITTERS, INC.
 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
 
Merchandise Mix
 
The following table sets forth the approximate consolidated percentage of net sales attributable to each merchandise group for each of the periods indicated:
 
                         
    For the Years Ended  
    January 30,
    January 31,
    February 2,
 
    2010     2009     2008  
 
Men’s apparel and accessories
    40 %     42 %     38 %
Women’s apparel and accessories (excluding aerie)
    51 %     50 %     55 %
aerie
    9 %     8 %     7 %
                         
Total
    100 %     100 %     100 %
                         
 
2.   Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
 
Principles of Consolidation
 
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 January 30, 2010, the Company operated in one reportable segment.
 
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 2010” refers to the 52 week periods ending January 29, 2011. “Fiscal 2009”,“Fiscal 2008” and “Fiscal 2007” refer to the 52 week periods ended January 30, 2010, January 31, 2009 and February 2, 2008, respectively. “Fiscal 2006” refers to the 53 week period ended February 3, 2007. “Fiscal 2005” refers to the 52 week periods ended January 28, 2006.
 
Estimates
 
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”) requires the Company’s 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, our management reviews its estimates based on currently available information. Changes in facts and circumstances may result in revised estimates.
 
Recent Accounting Pronouncements
 
In July 2009, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (“SFAS”) 168, The FASB Accounting Standards Codification and the Hierarchy of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles, a replacement of FASB Statement No. 162 The Hierarchy of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles. SFAS 168 establishes the FASB Accounting Standard Codification (“ASC”) as the single source of authoritative accounting principles recognized by the FASB to be applied by nongovernmental entities in the preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP. Effective July 2009, the FASB ASC is considered the single source of authoritative U.S. accounting and reporting standards, except for additional authoritative rules and interpretive releases issued by the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”). The Company adopted SFAS 168, as codified in ASC 105, Generally Accepted Accounting Principles, as of October 31, 2009. All accounting references within this Annual Report on Form 10-K have been updated and, therefore, previous references to GAAP have been replaced with references to GAAP as codified in the ASC.


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AMERICAN EAGLE OUTFITTERS, INC.
 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
 
In September 2009, the FASB approved the consensus on Emerging Issues Task Force (“EITF”) 08-1, Revenue Arrangements with Multiple Deliverables, primarily codified under 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 is currently evaluating the impact that the adoption of ASU 2010-06 will have on its Consolidated Financial Statements and disclosures.
 
Foreign Currency Translation
 
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 10 to the Consolidated Financial Statements).
 
Cash and Cash Equivalents, Short-term Investments and Long-term Investments
 
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 January 30, 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 January 30, 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 approximately 17 months to 38 years. The weighted average contractual maturity for our long-term investments is approximately 25 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 other-than-temporary impairment (“OTTI”) losses related to credit losses, as defined by ASC 320 Investments — Debt and Equity Securities (“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.


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AMERICAN EAGLE OUTFITTERS, INC.
 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
 
Other-than-Temporary Impairment
 
The Company evaluates its investments for impairment in accordance with 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 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 Fiscal 2009, the Company recorded net impairment loss recognized in earnings related to credit losses on its investment securities of $0.9 million. During Fiscal 2008, the Company recorded net impairment loss recognized in earnings of $22.9 million in earnings related to certain investment securities.
 
Refer to Notes 3 and 4 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information regarding net impairment loss recognized in earnings.
 
Merchandise Inventory
 
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.
 
Property and Equipment
 
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:
 
     
Buildings
  25 years
Leasehold improvements
  Lesser of 10 years or the term of the lease
Fixtures and equipment
  5 years
 
In accordance with ASC 360, Property, Plant, and Equipment, the Company’s management evaluates the value of leasehold improvements and store fixtures associated with retail stores, which have been open for a period of time sufficient to reach maturity. 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.


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AMERICAN EAGLE OUTFITTERS, INC.
 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
 
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 Fiscal 2009, the Company recorded asset impairment charges of $18.0 million related primarily to the impairment of 10 M+O stores. During Fiscal 2008 the Company recorded asset impairment charges of $6.7 million related primarily to the impairment of five M+O stores. Based on the Company’s review of the operating performance and projections of future performance of these stores, the Company determined that these stores 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. During Fiscal 2007, the Company recognized impairment losses of $0.6 million related to AE stores.
 
When the Company closes, remodels or relocates a store prior to the end of its lease term, the remaining net book value of the assets related to the store is recorded as a write-off of assets. During Fiscal 2009, Fiscal 2008 and Fiscal 2007, the Company recorded $2.3 million, $4.9 million and $6.7 million related to asset write-offs within depreciation and amortization expense.
 
Refer to Note 15 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information regarding the planned closure of MARTIN+OSA.
 
Goodwill
 
As of January 30, 2010, the Company had approximately $11.2 million of goodwill compared to $10.7 million as of January 31, 2009. 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. Resulting from the Company’s annual goodwill impairment test performed as of January 30, 2010, the Company concluded that its goodwill was not impaired.
 
Other Assets, Net
 
Other assets, net consist primarily of assets related to our deferred compensation plans and trademark costs, net of accumulated amortization. Trademark costs are amortized over five to 15 years.
 
Deferred Lease Credits
 
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.
 
Self-Insurance Liability
 
The Company is self-insured for certain losses related to employee medical benefits and worker’s compensation. Costs for self-insurance claims filed and claims incurred but not reported are accrued based on known claims and historical experience. Management believes that it has adequately reserved for its self-insurance liability, which is capped through the use of stop loss contracts with insurance companies. However, any significant variation of future claims from historical trends could cause actual results to differ from the accrued liability.


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AMERICAN EAGLE OUTFITTERS, INC.
 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
 
Co-branded Credit Card and Customer Loyalty Program
 
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. Under the rewards program that expired on December 31, 2009, points were earned on purchases made with the AE Visa Card at AE and aerie, and at other retailers where the card is accepted. Points earned under this credit card reward program resulted in the issuance of an AE gift card when a certain point threshold was reached. The AE gift card does not expire; however, points earned that have not been used towards the issuance of an AE gift card expire after 36 months of no purchase activity. 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, 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.
 
Stock Repurchases
 
During Fiscal 2007, the Company’s Board of Directors (“the Board”) authorized a total of 60.0 million shares of its common stock for repurchase under its share repurchase program with expiration dates extending into Fiscal 2010. During Fiscal 2007, the Company repurchased 18.7 million shares as part of its publicly announced repurchase programs for approximately $438.3 million, at a weighted average price of $23.38 per share. The Company did not repurchase any common stock as part of its publicly announced repurchase program during Fiscal 2009 or Fiscal 2008. At January 30, 2010, the authorization to repurchase 11.3 million shares of the Company’s common stock under its share repurchase program expired. As of March 26, 2010, the Company had 30.0 million shares remaining authorized for repurchase. These shares will be repurchased at the Company’s discretion. The authorization relating to the remaining 30.0 million shares expires at the end of Fiscal 2010.
 
During Fiscal 2009 and Fiscal 2008, the Company repurchased approximately 18,000 and 0.2 million shares, respectively, from certain employees at market prices totaling $0.2 million and $3.4 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, as amended (the “2005 Plan”).


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AMERICAN EAGLE OUTFITTERS, INC.
 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
 
The aforementioned share repurchases have been recorded as treasury stock.
 
Income Taxes
 
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 the Company’s effective tax rate.
 
Effective February 4, 2007, the Company adopted the accounting pronouncement now codified in ASC 740 regarding accounting for unrecognized tax benefits. This pronouncement 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.
 
Revenue Recognition
 
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.
 
                 
    For the Years Ended  
    January 30,
    January 31,
 
    2010     2009  
    (In thousands)  
 
Beginning balance
  $ 4,092     $ 4,683  
Returns
    (74,540 )     (81,704 )
Provisions
    75,293       81,113  
                 
Ending balance
  $ 4,845     $ 4,092  
                 
 
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


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AMERICAN EAGLE OUTFITTERS, INC.
 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
 
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.
 
                         
    For the Years Ended
    January 30,
  January 31,
  February 2,
    2010   2009   2008
    (In thousands)
 
Proceeds from sell-offs
  $ 31,889     $ 38,240     $ 23,775  
Marked-down cost of merchandise disposed of via sell-offs
  $ 31,345     $ 38,012     $ 25,805  
 
Cost of Sales, Including Certain Buying, Occupancy and Warehousing Expenses
 
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
 
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.
 
Advertising Costs
 
Certain advertising costs, including direct mail, in-store photographs and other promotional costs are expensed when the marketing campaign commences. As of January 30, 2010 and January 31, 2009, the Company had prepaid advertising expense of $5.4 million and $2.9 million, respectively. All other advertising costs are expensed as incurred. The Company recognized $68.9 million, $79.7 million and $74.9 million in advertising expense during Fiscal 2009, Fiscal 2008 and Fiscal 2007, respectively.
 
Design Costs
 
The Company has certain design costs, including compensation, rent, depreciation, travel, supplies and samples, which are included in cost of sales as the respective inventory is sold.
 
Store Pre-Opening Costs
 
Store pre-opening costs consist primarily of rent, advertising, supplies and payroll expenses. These costs are expensed as incurred.


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AMERICAN EAGLE OUTFITTERS, INC.
 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
 
Other (Expense) Income, Net
 
Other (expense) income, net consists primarily of a realized investment loss, interest income/expense and foreign currency transaction gain/loss.
 
Gift Cards
 
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. Prior to July 8, 2007, if a gift card remained inactive for greater than 24 months, the Company assessed the recipient a one-dollar per month service fee, where allowed by law, which was automatically deducted from the remaining value of the card. For those jurisdictions where assessing a service fee was not allowable by law, the estimated breakage was recorded in a manner consistent with that described above, starting after 24 months of inactivity. Both gift card service fees and breakage estimates were recorded within other (expense) income, net.
 
On July 8, 2007, the Company discontinued assessing a service fee on active gift cards. As a result, 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.
 
Legal Proceedings and Claims
 
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”), the Company 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, results of operations or consolidated cash flows of the Company.
 
Supplemental Disclosures of Cash Flow Information
 
The table below shows supplemental cash flow information for cash amounts paid during the respective periods:
 
                         
    For the Years Ended
    January 30,
  January 31,
  February 2,
    2010   2009   2008
    (In thousands)
 
Cash paid during the periods for:
                       
Income taxes
  $ 61,869     $ 132,234     $ 260,615  
Interest
  $ 1,879     $ 1,947     $  
 
Segment Information
 
In accordance with ASC 280, Segment Reporting (“ASC 280”), the Company has identified four operating segments (American Eagle Brand US and Canadian stores, aerie by American Eagle retail stores, MARTIN+OSA 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.


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AMERICAN EAGLE OUTFITTERS, INC.
 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
 
 
The following tables present summarized geographical information:
 
                         
    For the Years Ended  
    January 30,
    January 31,
    February 2,
 
    2010     2009     2008  
    (In thousands)  
Net sales:
                       
United States
  $ 2,715,583     $ 2,707,261     $ 2,770,119  
Foreign(1)
    274,937       281,605       285,300  
                         
Total net sales
  $ 2,990,520     $ 2,988,866     $ 3,055,419  
                         
 
 
(1) Amounts represent sales from American Eagle and aerie Canadian retail stores, as well as AEO Direct sales, that are billed to and/or shipped to foreign countries.
 
                 
    January 30,
    January 31,
 
    2010     2009  
    (In thousands)  
Long-lived assets, net:
               
United States
  $ 678,385     $ 708,180  
Foreign
    45,967       42,766  
                 
Total long-lived assets, net
  $ 724,352     $ 750,946  
                 
 
Reclassifications
 
Certain reclassifications have been made to the Consolidated Financial Statements for prior periods in order to conform to the current period presentation.
 
3.   Cash and Cash Equivalents, Short-term Investments and Long-term Investments
 
The following table summarizes the fair market value of our cash and marketable securities, which are recorded as cash and cash equivalents on the Consolidated Balance Sheets, our short-term investments and our long-term investments:
 
                         
    January 30, 2010  
          Unrealized
    Unrealized
 
    Balance     Holding Gains     Holding Losses  
    (In thousands)  
Cash and cash equivalents:
                       
Cash
  $ 144,391     $     $  
Commercial paper
    25,420                  
Treasury bills
    119,988                  
Money-market
    404,161              
                         
Total cash and cash equivalents
  $ 693,960     $     $  
Short-term investments:
                       
Student-loan backed ARS
  $ 400     $     $  
State and local government ARS
    4,275              
                         
Total short-term investments
  $ 4,675     $     $  
Long-term investments:
                       
Student-loan backed ARS
  $ 149,031     $     $ (8,569 )
State and local government ARS
    35,969             (456 )
Auction rate preferred securities
    12,773             (1,287 )
                         
Total long-term investments
  $ 197,773     $     $ (10,312 )
                         
Total
  $ 896,408     $     $ (10,312 )
                         


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AMERICAN EAGLE OUTFITTERS, INC.
 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
 
 
                         
    January 31, 2009  
          Unrealized
    Unrealized
 
    Balance     Holding Gains     Holding Losses  
    (In thousands)  
 
Cash and cash equivalents:
                       
Cash
  $ 61,355     $     $  
Money-market
    411,987              
                         
Total cash and cash equivalents
  $ 473,342     $     $  
Short-term investments:
                       
Preferred stock
  $ 6,219     $     $  
Auction rate preferred securities
    4,292              
                         
Total short-term investments
  $ 10,511     $     $  
Long-term investments:
                       
Student-loan backed ARS
  $ 169,254     $     $ (31,446 )
State and local government ARS
    69,970             (630 )
Auction rate preferred securities
    11,783             (3,217 )
                         
Total long-term investments
  $ 251,007     $     $ (35,293 )
                         
Total
  $ 734,860     $     $ (35,293 )
                         
 
Proceeds from the sale of available-for-sale securities were $80.4 million, $393.6 million and $2.127 billion for Fiscal 2009, Fiscal 2008 and Fiscal 2007, respectively. There were no purchases of investments during Fiscal 2009. The proceeds from the sale of available-for-sale securities for Fiscal 2008 and Fiscal 2007 are offset against purchases of $48.7 million and $1.773 billion, respectively. In addition to the net impairment loss recognized in earnings discussed below for Fiscal 2009 and Fiscal 2008, the Company recorded net realized losses related to the sale of available-for-sale securities of $2.7 million, $1.1 million and $0.4 million for Fiscal 2009, Fiscal 2008 and Fiscal 2007, respectively, in other (expense) income, net.
 
The following tables present the length of time available-for-sale securities were in continuous unrealized loss positions but were not deemed to be other-than-temporarily impaired:
 
                                 
          Greater than
 
    Less than
    or Equal
 
    12 Months     to 12 Months  
    Gross Unrealized
          Gross Unrealized
       
    Holding Losses     Fair Value     Holding Losses     Fair Value  
    (In thousands)  
 
January 30, 2010
                               
Student-loan backed ARS
  $ (1,643 )   $ 9,203     $ (6,926 )   $ 50,228  
State and local government ARS
    (273 )     8,096       (183 )     20,922  
Auction rate preferred securities
                (1,287 )     12,773  
                                 
Total(1)
  $ (1,916 )   $ 17,299     $ (8,396 )   $ 83,923  
                                 
January 31, 2009
                               
Student-loan backed ARS
  $ (31,446 )   $ 169,254     $     $  
State and local government ARS
    (630 )     61,570              
Auction rate preferred securities
    (3,217 )     11,783              
                                 
Total(1)
  $ (35,293 )   $ 242,607     $     $  
                                 


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AMERICAN EAGLE OUTFITTERS, INC.
 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
 
 
(1) Fair value excludes $101.2 million as of January 30, 2010 and $8.4 million as of January 31, 2009 of investments whose fair value approximates par. Additionally, as of January 31, 2009, fair value excludes $10.5 million of securities on which net impairment loss recognized in earnings has been recorded.
 
As of January 30, 2010, we had a total of $896.4 million in cash and cash equivalents, short-term and long-term investments, which included $189.6 million of investments in ARS and $12.8 million of auction rate preferred securities (“ARPS”), net of $10.3 million ($6.4 million net of tax) of temporary impairment and $0.9 million in net impairment loss recognized in earnings. Our short-term and long-term investments consist of the following:
 
                                         
                Cumulative
             
                Unrealized
    Cumulative Losses
       
    No. of
          Losses Recognized
    Recognized in
    Carrying Value as of
 
    Issues     Par Value     in OCI     Earnings     January 30, 2010  
    (In thousands, except no. of issues amount)  
 
Auction rate securities (“ARS”):
                                       
Closed-end municipal fund ARS
    5     $ 17,025     $ (9 )   $     $ 17,016  
Municipal Bond ARS
    5       23,675       (447 )           23,228  
Auction rate preferred securities
    2       15,000       (1,287 )     (940 )     12,773  
Federally-insured student loan ARS
    16       148,000       (6,012 )           141,988  
Private-insured student loan ARS
    1       10,000       (2,557 )           7,443  
                                         
Total Auction rate securities
    29     $ 213,700     $ (10,312 )   $ (940 )   $ 202,448  
 
Lehman Brothers Holding, Inc. (“Lehman”) acted as a 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 in Fiscal 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. The total realized loss on the sale of these securities was $25.6 million, of which $22.9 million was recorded as a net impairment loss recognized in earnings in Fiscal 2008.
 
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, we may be required to record additional impairment.
 
4.   Fair Value Measurements
 
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. The Company adopted the provisions of ASC 820 as of February 3, 2008, for items measured at fair value on a recurring basis, which consist of financial instruments including ARS and ARPS. The Company adopted the provisions of ASC 820-10-65 Fair Value Measurements, Transition and Open Effective Date Information, Transition related to FASB Staff Position FAS 157-2, Effective Date of FASB Statement No. 157 as of February 1, 2009 for items measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis, including goodwill and property and equipment. Additionally, the Company adopted the provisions of ASC 320-10-65 and ASC 820-10-65 Fair Value Measurements, Transition and Open Effective Date Information, Transition related to FASB Staff Position 157-4, Determining Fair Value When the Volume and Level of Activity for the Asset or Liability


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AMERICAN EAGLE OUTFITTERS, INC.
 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
 
Have Significantly Decreased and Identifying Transactions That Are Not Orderly as of May 3, 2009 for its financial instruments measured at fair value. The impact of adopting these was not significant on the Company’s accompanying financial statements.
 
Financial Instruments
 
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 this three-tier fair value hierarchy, which prioritizes the inputs used in measuring fair value. These tiers include:
 
  •  Level 1 — Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities.
 
  •  Level 2 — Inputs other than Level 1 that are observable, either directly or indirectly, such as quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities; quoted prices in markets that are not active; or other inputs that are observable or can be corroborated by observable market data for substantially the full term of the assets or liabilities.
 
  •  Level 3 — Unobservable inputs (i.e. projections, estimates, interpretations, etc.) that are supported by little or no market activity and that are significant to the fair value of the assets or liabilities.
 
As of January 30, 2010 and January 31, 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 tables represent the fair value hierarchy for the Company’s financial assets (cash equivalents and investments) measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of January 30, 2010 and January 31, 2009:
 
                                 
    Fair Value Measurements at January 30, 2010  
          Quoted Market
             
    Carrying
    Prices in Active
          Significant
 
    Amount as
    Markets for
    Significant Other
    Unobservable
 
    of January 30,
    Identical Assets
    Observable Inputs
    Inputs
 
 
  2010     (Level 1)     (Level 2)     (Level 3)  
    (In thousands)  
 
Cash and Cash Equivalents
                               
Cash
  $ 144,391     $ 144,391     $     $  
Commercial paper
    25,420       25,420              
Treasury bills
    119,988       119,988              
Money-market
    404,161       404,161              
                                 
Total cash and cash equivalents
  $ 693,960     $ 693,960     $     $  
Short-term Investments
                               
Student-loan backed ARS
  $ 400     $     $     $ 400  
State and local government ARS
    4,275                   4,275  
                                 
Total Short-term Investments
  $ 4,675     $     $     $ 4,675  
Long-term Investments
                               
Student-loan backed ARS
  $ 149,031     $     $     $ 149,031  
State and local government ARS
    35,969                   35,969  
Auction rate preferred securities
    12,773                   12,773  
                                 
Total Long-term Investments
  $ 197,773     $     $     $ 197,773  
                                 
Total
  $ 896,408     $ 693,960     $     $ 202,448  
                                 
Percent to total
    100.0 %     77.4 %     0.0 %     22.6 %
                                 
 


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AMERICAN EAGLE OUTFITTERS, INC.
 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
 
                                 
    Fair Value Measurements at January 31, 2009  
          Quoted Market
             
          Prices in Active
    Significant Other
    Significant
 
    Carrying Amount
    Markets for
    Observable
    Unobservable
 
    as of January 31,
    Identical Assets
    Inputs
    Inputs
 
 
  2009     (Level 1)     (Level 2)     (Level 3)  
    (In thousands)  
 
Cash and Cash Equivalents
                               
Cash
  $ 61,355     $ 61,355     $     $  
Money-market
    411,987       411,987              
                                 
Total cash and cash equivalents
  $ 473,342     $ 473,342     $     $  
Short-term Investments
                               
Preferred Stock
  $ 6,219     $ 6,219     $     $  
Auction rate preferred securities
    4,292             4,292        
                                 
Total Short-term Investments
  $ 10,511     $ 6,219     $ 4,292     $  
Long-term Investments
                               
Student-loan backed ARS
  $ 169,254     $     $     $ 169,254  
State and local government ARS
    69,970                   69,970  
Auction rate preferred securities
    11,783                   11,783  
                                 
Total Long-term Investments
  $ 251,007     $     $     $ 251,007  
                                 
Total
  $ 734,860     $ 479,561     $ 4,292     $ 251,007  
                                 
Percent to total
    100.0 %     65.3 %     0.6 %     34.1 %
                                 
 
The Company used a discounted cash flow (“DCF”) model to value our Level 3 investments. For Fiscal 2009, the assumptions in the Company’s model included different recovery periods, ranging from 0.5 year to 11 years, depending on the type of security and varying discount factors for yield, ranging from 0.3% to 6.6%, and illiquidity, ranging from 0.3% to 4.0%. For Fiscal 2008, the assumptions in the Company’s model included different recovery periods, ranging from 1.1 years to 11 years, depending on the type of security and varying discount factors for yield, ranging from 1.7% to 18.8%, and illiquidity, ranging from 0.0% to 1.0%. These assumptions are subjective. They are based on the Company’s current judgment and 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 Fiscal 2009, the Company recorded a net recovery of $25.0 million ($15.5 million, net of tax) which reduced the total cumulative impairment recognized in other comprehensive income (“OCI”) as of January 30, 2010 to $10.3 million ($6.4 million, net of tax) from $35.3 million ($21.8 million, net of tax) at the end of Fiscal 2008. The reversal of temporary impairment was primarily driven by calls at par for the Company’s private-insured student loan ARS. As a result of the calls, the securities which were previously impaired were revalued at par. These amounts were recorded in OCI and resulted in an increase in the investments’ estimated fair values. The net increase in fair value was partially offset by $0.9 million of net impairment loss recognized in earnings during Fiscal 2009 as a result of credit rating downgrades.

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AMERICAN EAGLE OUTFITTERS, INC.
 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
 
The following table presents a rollforward of the amount of net impairment loss recognized in earnings related to credit losses:
 
         
    For the Year Ended
 
    January 30, 2010  
    (In thousands)  
 
Beginning balance of credit losses previously recognized in earnings
  $  
Year-to-date OTTI credit losses recognized in earnings
    940  
         
Ending balance of cumulative credit losses recognized in earnings
  $ 940  
         
 
The reconciliation of our assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis using unobservable inputs (Level 3) is as follows:
 
                                 
    Level 3 (Unobservable Inputs)  
                Student
       
                Loan-
       
          Auction-
    Backed
       
          Rate
    Auction-
    Auction-Rate
 
          Municipal
    Rate
    Preferred
 
    Total     Securities     Securities     Securities  
 
Carrying value at February 2, 2008
  $     $     $     $  
Additions to Level 3 upon adoption of ASC 820(1)
    340,475       84,575       212,000       43,900  
Settlements
    (29,875 )     (18,575 )     (11,300 )      
Additions to Level 3(2)
    4,600       4,600              
Transfers out of Level 3(3)
    (28,900 )                 (28,900 )
Losses:
                               
Losses reported in OCI
    (35,293 )     (630 )     (31,446 )     (3,217 )
                                 
Balance at January 31, 2009
  $ 251,007     $ 69,970     $ 169,254     $ 11,783  
                                 
Settlements
    (72,600 )     (29,900 )     (42,700 )      
Gains and (losses):
                               
Reported in earnings
    (940 )                 (940 )
Reported in OCI
    24,981       174       22,877       1,930  
                                 
Balance at January 30, 2010
  $ 202,448     $ 40,244     $ 149,431     $ 12,773  
                                 
 
 
(1) Represents amounts transferred upon the adoption of ASC 820 during the first quarter of Fiscal 2008.
 
(2) Additions to Level 3 include securities previously classified as Level 2, which were securities that had experienced partial calls prior to the fourth quarter of 2008 and were previously valued at par.
 
(3) Transfers out of Level 3 include preferred securities (into Level 1) and ARPS (into Level 2). The transfers to Level 1 occurred due to the Company acquiring exchange traded preferred shares as a result of the ARPS trusts liquidating. The transfers to Level 2 occurred as a result of the Company determining that it was more appropriate to value these investments using observable market prices of the underlying securities. The OTTI charge of $22.9 million that was reported in earnings was taken on Level 1 and Level 2 securities transferred from Level 3.
 
Non-Financial Assets
 
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.


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AMERICAN EAGLE OUTFITTERS, INC.
 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
 
Resulting from the Company’s annual goodwill impairment test performed as of January 30, 2010, the Company concluded that its goodwill was not impaired.
 
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 Company’s review of the operating performance and projections of underperforming stores, the Company determined that certain underperforming stores 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. The fair value of those stores were 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. During Fiscal 2009, certain long-lived assets with a carrying value of $18.0 million, primarily related to 10 M+O stores, were determined to be unable to recover their respective carrying values and, therefore, were written down to their fair value, resulting in a loss on impairment of assets of $18.0 million.
 
5.   Earnings per Share
 
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. 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. ASC 260-10-45 was adopted and retrospectively applied at the beginning of Fiscal 2009. For Fiscal 2009, Fiscal 2008 and Fiscal 2007, the application of ASC 260-10-45 resulted in no material change to basic EPS or diluted EPS.
 
The following is a reconciliation between basic and diluted weighted average shares outstanding:
 
                         
    For the Years Ended  
    January 30,
    January 31,
    February 2,
 
    2010     2009     2008  
    (In thousands, except per share amounts)  
 
Weighted average common shares outstanding:
                       
Basic number of common shares outstanding
    206,171       205,169       216,119  
Dilutive effect of stock options and non-vested restricted stock
    3,341       2,413       4,161  
                         
Dilutive number of common shares outstanding
    209,512       207,582       220,280  
                         
Basic net income per common share
                       
Net income
  $ 169,022     $ 179,061     $ 400,019  
Less: Income allocated to participating securities
    365       364       215  
                         
Net income available to common shareholders
  $ 168,657     $ 178,697     $ 399,804  
                         
Basic net income per common share
  $ 0.82     $ 0.87     $ 1.85  
                         
Dilutive net income per common share
                       
Net income
  $ 169,022     $ 179,061     $ 400,019  
Less: Income allocated to participating securities
    360       360       210  
                         
Net income available to common shareholders
  $ 168,662     $ 178,701     $ 399,809  
                         
Dilutive net income per common share
  $ 0.81     $ 0.86     $ 1.82  
                         


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AMERICAN EAGLE OUTFITTERS, INC.
 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
 
Equity awards to purchase approximately 6.6 million, 7.6 million, and 2.5 million shares of common stock during the Fiscal 2009, Fiscal 2008 and Fiscal 2007, 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.
 
Additionally, for Fiscal 2009 and Fiscal 2008, approximately 0.4 million and 0.8 million shares, respectively, of performance-based restricted stock 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.
 
6.   Accounts Receivable
 
Accounts receivable are comprised of the following:
 
                 
    January 30,
    January 31,
 
    2010     2009  
    (In thousands)  
 
Construction allowances
  $ 11,132     $ 11,139  
Merchandise sell-offs
    8,063       17,057  
Interest income
    217       1,355  
Marketing cost reimbursements
    2,556       2,363  
Credit card receivable
    7,832       5,175  
Merchandise vendor receivables
    375       2,899  
Gift card receivable
    1,413       115  
Franchise receivable
    1,419        
Other
    1,739       1,368  
                 
Total
  $ 34,746     $ 41,471  
                 
 
7.   Property and Equipment
 
Property and equipment consists of the following:
 
                 
    January 30,
    January 31,
 
    2010     2009  
    (In thousands)  
 
Land
  $ 6,364     $ 6,364  
Buildings
    151,484       122,414  
Leasehold improvements
    645,794       605,299  
Fixtures and equipment
    590,610       536,009  
Construction in progress
    554       28,543  
                 
    $ 1,394,806     $ 1,298,629  
Less: Accumulated depreciation and amortization
    (681,664 )     (558,389 )
                 
Net property and equipment
  $ 713,142     $ 740,240  
                 
 
Depreciation expense is summarized as follows:
 
                         
    For the Years Ended  
    January 30,
    January 31,
    February 2,
 
    2010     2009     2008  
    (In thousands)  
 
Depreciation expense
  $ 144,883     $ 130,802     $ 108,919  
                         


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AMERICAN EAGLE OUTFITTERS, INC.
 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
 
 
8.   Note Payable and Other Credit Arrangements
 
The Company has borrowing agreements with four separate financial institutions under which it may borrow an aggregate of $325.0 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, $100.0 million USD and $25.0 million CAD can be used for demand line borrowings and the remaining $25.0 million USD can be used for either letters of credit or demand line borrowings at the Company’s discretion. The $100.0 million USD of demand line credit is comprised of two facilities each with $50.0 million USD of borrowing capacity. The expiration dates of the two demand line facilities are April 21, 2010 and May 22, 2010. The $25.0 million CAD of demand line credit was established during Fiscal 2009, and is provided at the discretion of the lender.
 
During Fiscal 2009, the Company reduced the amount of credit available that could be used for either letters of credit or as a demand line from $100.0 million USD to $25.0 million USD. This request was made by the lender due to the Company’s low utilization of this credit facility. The reduction was effective July 3, 2009 and had no material impact on the Company’s Consolidated Financial Statements or on the Company’s ability to fund its operations. Additionally, during Fiscal 2009, the Company increased its borrowing capacity for demand letters of credit from $150.0 million USD to $200.0 million USD.
 
As of January 30, 2010, the Company had outstanding trade and standby letters of credit of $51.5 million USD and demand line borrowings of $30.0 million USD, which reflects a $45.0 million USD reduction from January 31, 2009, as a result of a voluntary partial repayment made during Fiscal 2009. The outstanding amounts on the demand line borrowings can be called for repayment by the financial institutions at any time. Additionally, the availability of any remaining borrowings is subject to acceptance by the respective financial institutions. The average borrowing rate on the demand lines for Fiscal 2009 was 2.5% and the Company has incorporated the outstanding demand line borrowings into working capital.
 
9.   Leases
 
The Company leases all store premises, some of its office space and certain information technology and office equipment. The store leases generally have initial terms of 10 years. Most of these store leases provide for base rentals and the payment of a percentage of sales as additional contingent rent when sales exceed specified levels. Additionally, most leases contain construction allowances and/or rent holidays. In recognizing landlord incentives and minimum rent expense, the Company amortizes the charges on a straight-line basis over the lease term (including the pre-opening build-out period). These leases are classified as operating leases.
 
A summary of fixed minimum and contingent rent expense for all operating leases follows:
 
                         
    For the Years Ended  
    January 30,
    January 31,
    February 2,
 
    2010     2009     2008  
    (In thousands)  
 
Store rent:
                       
Fixed minimum
  $ 229,428     $ 197,820     $ 167,051  
Contingent
    7,873       11,767       17,626  
                         
Total store rent, excluding common area maintenance charges, real estate taxes and certain other expenses
  $ 237,301     $ 209,587     $ 184,677  
Offices, distribution facilities, equipment and other
    18,664       18,260       17,250  
                         
Total rent expense
  $ 255,965     $ 227,847     $ 201,927  
                         
 
In addition, the Company is typically responsible under its store, office and distribution center leases for tenant occupancy costs, including maintenance costs, common area charges, real estate taxes and certain other expenses.


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AMERICAN EAGLE OUTFITTERS, INC.
 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
 
The table below summarizes future minimum lease obligations, consisting of fixed minimum rent, under operating leases in effect at January 30, 2010:
 
         
    Future Minimum
 
Fiscal years:
  Lease Obligations  
    (In thousands)  
 
2010
  $ 242,859  
2011
    226,699  
2012
    210,676  
2013
    194,613  
2014
    176,612  
Thereafter
    693,048  
         
Total
  $ 1,744,507  
         
 
10.   Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)
 
The accumulated balances of other comprehensive income (loss) included as part of the Consolidated Statements of Stockholders’ Equity follow:
 
                         
    Before
    Tax
    Accumulated Other
 
    Tax
    (Expense)
    Comprehensive Income
 
    Amount     Benefit     (Loss)  
    (In thousands)  
 
Balance at February 3, 2007
  $ 21,201     $ 513     $ 21,714  
Unrealized gain on investments
    1,538       (591 )     947  
Reclassification adjustment for net losses realized in net income related to sale of available-for-sale securities
    393       (151 )     242  
Foreign currency translation adjustment
    12,582             12,582  
                         
Balance at February 2, 2008
  $ 35,714     $ (229 )   $ 35,485  
                         
Temporary impairment related to ARS
    (36,825 )     14,030       (22,795 )
Reclassification adjustment for losses realized in net income related to sale of ARS
    318       (121 )     197  
Reclassification adjustment for OTTI charges realized in net income related to ARS
    1,214       (463 )     751  
Unrealized loss on investments
    (607 )     229       (378 )
Foreign currency translation adjustment
    (27,649 )           (27,649 )
                         
Balance at January 31, 2009
  $ (27,835 )   $ 13,446     $ (14,389 )
                         
Temporary reversal of impairment related to ARS
    24,041       (9,535 )     14,506  
Reclassification adjustment for OTTI charges realized in net income related to ARS
    940             940  
Foreign currency translation adjustment
    15,781             15,781  
                         
Balance at January 30, 2010
  $ 12,927     $ 3,911     $ 16,838  
                         


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AMERICAN EAGLE OUTFITTERS, INC.
 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
 
The components of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) were as follows:
 
                 
    For the Years Ended  
    January 30,
    January 31,
 
    2010     2009  
    (In thousands)  
 
Net unrealized (loss) gain on available-for-sale securities, net of tax(1)
  $ (6,401 )   $ (21,847 )
Foreign currency translation adjustment
    23,239       7,458  
                 
Accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income
  $ 16,838     $ (14,389 )
                 
 
 
(1) Amounts are shown net of tax of $3.9 million and $13.4 million for Fiscal 2009 and Fiscal 2008, respectively.
 
11.   Share-Based Payments
 
At January 30, 2010, the Company had awards outstanding under three share-based compensation plans, which are described below.
 
The Company accounts for share-based compensation under the provisions of ASC 718, Compensation — Stock Compensation (“ASC 718”), which requires the Company to measure and recognize compensation expense for all share-based payments at fair value. Total share-based compensation expense included in the Consolidated Statements of Operations for Fiscal 2009, Fiscal 2008 and Fiscal 2007 was $36.9 million ($22.8 million, net of tax), $20.3 million ($12.5 million, net of tax) and $33.7 million ($20.7 million, net of tax), respectively.
 
ASC 718 requires recognition of compensation cost under a non-substantive vesting period approach. Accordingly, the Company recognizes compensation expense over the period from the grant date to the date retirement eligibility is achieved, if that is expected to occur during the nominal vesting period. Additionally, for awards granted to retirement eligible employees, the full compensation cost of an award must be recognized immediately upon grant.
 
Share-based compensation plans
 
1994 Stock Option Plan
 
On February 10, 1994, the Company’s Board adopted the American Eagle Outfitters, Inc. 1994 Stock Option Plan (the “1994 Plan”). The 1994 Plan provided for the grant of 12.2 million incentive or non-qualified options to purchase common stock. The 1994 Plan was subsequently amended to increase the shares available for grant to 24.3 million shares. Additionally, the amendment provided that the maximum number of options that may be granted to any individual may not exceed 8.1 million shares. The options granted under the 1994 Plan were approved by the Compensation Committee of the Board, primarily vest over five years, and expire 10 years from the date of grant. The 1994 Plan terminated on January 2, 2004 with all rights of the optionees and all unexpired options continuing in force and operation after the termination.
 
1999 Stock Incentive Plan
 
The 1999 Stock Option Plan (the “1999 Plan”) was approved by the stockholders on June 8, 1999. The 1999 Plan authorized 18.0 million shares for issuance in the form of stock options, stock appreciation rights (“SAR”), restricted stock awards, performance units or performance shares. The 1999 Plan was subsequently amended to increase the shares available for grant to 33.0 million. Additionally, the 1999 Plan provided that the maximum number of shares awarded to any individual may not exceed 9.0 million shares. The 1999 Plan allowed the Compensation Committee to determine which employees and consultants received awards and the terms and conditions of these awards. The 1999 Plan provided for a grant of 1,875 stock options quarterly (not to be adjusted for stock splits) to each director who is not an officer or employee of the Company starting in August 2003. The Company ceased making these quarterly stock option grants in June 2005. Under this plan, 33.2 million non-


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AMERICAN EAGLE OUTFITTERS, INC.
 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
 
qualified stock options and 6.7 million shares of restricted stock were granted to employees and certain non-employees (without considering cancellations to date of awards for 7.9 million shares). Approximately 33% of the options granted were to vest over eight years after the date of grant but were accelerated as the Company met annual performance goals. Approximately 34% of the options granted under the 1999 Plan vest over three years, 23% vest over five years and the remaining grants vest over one year. All options expire after 10 years. Performance-based restricted stock was earned if the Company met established performance goals. The 1999 Plan terminated on June 15, 2005 with all rights of the awardees and all unexpired awards continuing in force and operation after the termination.
 
2005 Stock Award and Incentive Plan
 
The 2005 Plan was approved by the stockholders on June 15, 2005. The 2005 Plan authorized 18.4 million shares for issuance, of which 6.4 million shares are available for full value awards in the form of restricted stock awards, restricted stock units or other full value stock awards and 12.0 million shares are available for stock options, SAR, dividend equivalents, performance awards or other non-full value stock awards. The 2005 Plan was subsequently amended and restated on June 16, 2009 to, among other things, increase the shares available for grant to 31.9 million effective as of January 31, 2009 without taking into consideration of 9.1 million non-qualified stock options, 2.9 million shares of restricted stock and 0.2 million shares of common stock that had been previously granted under the 2005 plan to employees and directors (without considering cancellations as of January 31, 2009 of awards for 2.9 million shares). The 2005 Plan provides that the maximum number of shares awarded to any individual may not exceed 6.0 million shares per year for options and SAR and no more than 4.0 million shares may be granted with respect to each of restricted shares of stock and restricted stock units plus any unused carryover limit from the previous year. The 2005 Plan allows the Compensation Committee of the Board to determine which employees receive awards and the terms and conditions of the awards that are mandatory under the 2005 Plan. The 2005 Plan provides for grants to directors who are not officers or employees of the Company, which are not to exceed 20,000 shares per year (not to be adjusted for stock splits). Through January 30, 2010, 12.6 million non-qualified stock options, 4.6 million shares of restricted stock and 0.2 million shares of common stock had been granted under the 2005 Plan to employees and directors (without considering cancellations to date of awards for 4.6 million shares). Approximately 99% of the options granted under the 2005 Plan vest over three years and 1% vest over five years. Options were granted for ten and seven year terms. Approximately 97% of the restricted stock awards are performance-based and are earned if the Company meets established performance goals. The remaining 3% of the restricted stock awards are time-based and vest over three years.
 
Stock Option Grants
 
The Company grants both time-based and performance-based stock options under the 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.


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AMERICAN EAGLE OUTFITTERS, INC.
 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
 
A summary of the Company’s stock option activity under all plans for Fiscal 2009 follows:
 
                                 
    For the Year Ended January 30, 2010  
                Weighted-
       
          Weighted-
    Average
       
          Average
    Remaining
    Aggregate
 
          Exercise
    Contractual
    Intrinsic
 
 
  Options     Price     Life     Value  
                (In Years)     (In thousands)  
 
Outstanding — January 31, 2009
    14,496,734     $ 15.25                  
Granted
    3,402,609     $ 11.34                  
Exercised(1)
    1,463,897     $ 7.08                  
Cancelled
    1,530,504     $ 16.70                  
                                 
Outstanding — January 30, 2010
    14,904,942     $ 15.01       3.8     $ 60,091  
                                 
Vested and expected to vest — January 30, 2010
    14,546,241     $ 14.99       3.8     $ 58,809  
                                 
Exercisable — January 30, 2010
    5,031,264     $ 7.13       2.1     $ 44,063  
 
 
(1) Options exercised during Fiscal 2009 ranged in price from $4.68 to $13.46.
 
The weighted-average grant date fair value of stock options granted during Fiscal 2009, Fiscal 2008 and Fiscal 2007 was $3.86, $7.16 and $10.64, respectively. The aggregate intrinsic value of options exercised during Fiscal 2009, Fiscal 2008 and Fiscal 2007 was $11.7 million, $3.9 million and $22.5 million, respectively. Cash received from the exercise of stock options and the actual tax benefit realized from stock option exercises were $7.6 million and $8.0 million, respectively, for Fiscal 2009. Cash received from the exercise of stock options and the actual tax benefit realized from stock option exercises were $3.8 million and $1.1 million, respectively, for Fiscal 2008. Cash received from the exercise of stock options and the actual tax benefit realized from stock option exercises were $13.2 million and $7.3 million, respectively, for Fiscal 2007.
 
The fair value of stock options was estimated at the date of grant using a Black-Scholes option pricing model with the following weighted-average assumptions:
 
                         
    For the Years Ended
    January 30,
  January 31,
  February 2,
Black-Scholes Option Valuation Assumptions
  2010   2009   2008
 
Risk-free interest rates(1)
    1.7 %     2.5 %     4.5 %
Dividend yield
    3.4 %     1.7 %     0.9 %
Volatility factors of the expected market price of the Company’s common stock(2)
    56.9 %     44.4 %     39.2 %
Weighted-average expected term(3)
    4.1 years     4.3 years     4.4 years
 
 
(1) Based on the U.S. Treasury yield curve in effect at the time of grant with a term consistent with the expected life of our stock options.
 
(2) Based on a combination of historical volatility of the Company’s common stock and implied volatility.
 
(3) Represents the period of time options are expected to be outstanding. The weighted average expected option term for the years ended January 30, 2010 and January 31, 2009 were determined based on historical experience. The weighted average expected option terms for the year ended February 2, 2008 was determined using a combination of the “simplified method” for plain vanilla options as allowed by ASC 718, and past behavior. The “simplified method” calculates the expected term as the average of the vesting term and original contractual term of the options.


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AMERICAN EAGLE OUTFITTERS, INC.
 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
 
 
As of January 30, 2010, there was $8.5 million of unrecognized compensation expense related to nonvested stock option awards that is expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of 1.4 years.
 
Restricted Stock Grants
 
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. Historically, the Company has granted only restricted stock awards that entitled the holders to receive nonforfeitable dividends prior to vesting. Beginning with the Fiscal 2009 restricted stock awards, the Company began to also grant restricted stock unit awards to its employees. 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 activity of the Company’s restricted stock is presented in the following tables.
 
                                 
    Time-Based Restricted Stock     Performance-Based Restricted Stock  
    For the Year Ended
    For the Year Ended
 
    January 30, 2010     January 30, 2010  
          Weighted-Average
          Weighted-Average
 
          Grant Date
          Grant Date
 
 
  Shares     Fair Value     Shares     Fair Value  
 
Nonvested — January 31, 2009
    41,000     $ 19.97       757,812     $ 21.26  
Granted
    1,883       13.28       989,664       9.66  
Vested
    (41,000 )     19.97              
Cancelled
                (757,812 )     21.26  
                                 
Nonvested — January 30, 2010
    1,883     $ 13.28       989,664     $ 9.66  
 
                                 
          Performance-Based Restricted
 
    Time-Based Restricted Stock Units     Stock Units  
    For the Year Ended
    For the Year Ended
 
    January 30, 2010     January 30, 2010  
          Weighted-Average
          Weighted-Average
 
          Grant Date
          Grant Date
 
 
  Shares     Fair Value     Shares     Fair Value  
 
Nonvested — January 31, 2009
        $           $  
Granted
    1,855,618       9.79       417,101       9.82  
Vested
                       
Cancelled
    (187,526 )     9.66       (10,870 )     9.66  
                                 
Nonvested — January 30, 2010
    1,668,092     $ 9.79       406,231     $ 9.82  


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AMERICAN EAGLE OUTFITTERS, INC.
 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
 
As of January 30, 2010, there was $2.1 million of unrecognized compensation expense related to nonvested restricted stock awards that is expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of one month. The total fair value of restricted stock awards vested during Fiscal 2009, Fiscal 2008 and Fiscal 2007 was $0.6 million, $9.6 million and $32.6 million, respectively.
 
As of January 30, 2010, the Company had 28.4 million shares available for all equity grants.
 
12.   Retirement Plan and Employee Stock Purchase Plan
 
The Company maintains a profit sharing and 401(k) plan (the “Retirement Plan”). Under the provisions of the Retirement Plan, full-time employees and part-time employees are automatically enrolled to contribute 3% of their salary if they have attained 201/2 years of age. In addition, full-time employee need to have completed 60 days of service and part-time employees must complete 1,000 hours worked to be eligible. Individuals can decline enrollment or can contribute up to 50% of their salary to the 401(k) plan on a pretax basis, subject to IRS limitations. After one year of service, the Company will match 100% of the first 3% of pay plus an additional 50% of the next 3% of pay that is contributed to the plan. Contributions to the profit sharing plan, as determined by the Board, are discretionary. The Company recognized $7.2 million, $6.3 million and $6.1 million in expense during Fiscal 2009, Fiscal 2008 and Fiscal 2007, respectively, in connection with the Retirement Plan.
 
The Employee Stock Purchase Plan is a non-qualified plan that covers all full-time employees and part-time employees who are at least 18 years old and have completed 60 days of service. Contributions are determined by the employee, with the Company matching 15% of the investment up to a maximum investment of $100 per pay period. These contributions are used to purchase shares of Company stock in the open market.
 
13.   Income Taxes
 
The components of income before income taxes were:
 
                         
    For the Years Ended  
    January 30,
    January 31,
    February 2,
 
    2010     2009     2008  
    (In thousands)  
 
U.S. 
  $ 197,948     $ 244,629     $ 568,519  
Foreign
    34,443       52,412       67,862  
                         
Total
  $ 232,391     $ 297,041     $ 636,381  
                         


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AMERICAN EAGLE OUTFITTERS, INC.
 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
 
The significant components of the Company’s deferred tax assets and liabilities were as follows:
 
                 
    January 30,
    January 31,
 
    2010     2009  
    (In thousands)  
 
Deferred tax assets:
               
Deferred compensation
  $ 36,018     $ 21,492  
Tax credits
    31,756       4,217  
Rent
    24,498       22,207  
Inventories
    11,422       14,828  
Investment securities
    10,677       8,721  
Employee compensation and benefits
    10,669       3,677  
Foreign and state income taxes
    7,484       12,984  
Temporary impairment of investment securities
    3,911       13,446  
Other
    8,384       10,158  
                 
Gross deferred tax assets
    144,819       111,730  
Valuation allowance
    (15,688 )     (12,933 )
                 
Total deferred tax assets
  $ 129,131     $ 98,797  
                 
Deferred tax liabilities:
               
Property and equipment
  $ (37,896 )   $ (36,641 )
Prepaid expenses
    (3,774 )     (1,708 )
                 
Total deferred tax liabilities
  $ (41,670 )   $ (38,349 )
                 
Total deferred tax assets, net
  $ 87,461     $ 60,448  
                 
Classification in the Consolidated Balance Sheet
               
Current deferred tax assets
  $ 60,156     $ 45,447  
Noncurrent deferred tax assets
    27,305       15,001  
                 
Total deferred tax assets
  $ 87,461     $ 60,448  
                 
 
The net increase in deferred tax assets and liabilities was primarily due to an increase in the deferred tax asset for tax credit carryovers associated with the repatriation of earnings from Canada and an increase in the deferred tax asset for deferred compensation.


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AMERICAN EAGLE OUTFITTERS, INC.
 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
 
Significant components of the provision for income taxes were as follows:
 
                         
    For the Years Ended  
    January 30,
    January 31,
    February 2,
 
    2010     2009     2008  
    (In thousands)  
 
Current:
                       
Federal
  $ 73,095     $ 69,592     $ 172,604  
Foreign taxes
    14,526       16,341       24,030  
State
    11,948       7,578       27,987  
                         
Total current
    99,569       93,511       224,621  
                         
Deferred:
                       
Federal
    (38,810 )     21,927       10,306  
Foreign taxes
    6,513       (340 )     (2,077 )
State
    (3,903 )     2,882       3,512  
                         
Total deferred
    (36,200 )     24,469       11,741  
                         
Provision for income taxes
  $ 63,369       117,980     $ 236,362  
                         
 
As a result of additional tax deductions related to share-based payments, tax benefits have been recognized as contributed capital for Fiscal 2009, Fiscal 2008, and Fiscal 2007 in the amounts of $8.0 million, $1.1 million and $7.3 million, respectively.
 
During Fiscal 2009 the Company approved and repatriated $91.7 million from its Canadian subsidiaries. The proceeds from the repatriation were used for general corporate purposes. We plan to indefinitely reinvest accumulated earnings of our Canadian subsidiaries outside of the United States to the extent not repatriated in Fiscal 2009. Accordingly, no provision for U.S. income taxes has been provided thereon. Upon distribution of those earnings in the form of dividends or otherwise, we would be subject to income and withholding taxes offset by foreign tax credits. As of January 30, 2010, the unremitted earnings of our Canadian subsidiaries were $28.0 million.
 
As of January 30, 2010, the gross amount of unrecognized tax benefits was $31.6 million, of which $23.4 million would affect the effective income tax rate if recognized. The gross amount of unrecognized tax benefits as of January 31, 2009 was $41.1 million, of which $23.1 million would affect the effective income tax rate if recognized.
 
The following table summarizes the activity related to our unrecognized tax benefits:
 
                                 
    For the Years Ended  
    January 30,
          January 31,
    February 2,
 
    2010           2009     2008  
    (In thousands)  
 
Unrecognized tax benefits, beginning of the year balance
  $ 41,080             $ 42,953     $ 39,311  
Increases in tax positions of prior periods
    1,679               205       2,562  
Decreases in tax positions of prior periods
    (13,471 )             (1,705 )     (5,026 )
Increases in current period tax positions
    14,842               4,221       8,057  
Settlements
    (6,204 )             (4,529 )     (1,764 )
Lapse of statute of limitations
    (6,291 )             (30 )     (187 )
Translation adjustment
    14               (35 )      
                                 
Unrecognized tax benefits, end of the year balance
  $ 31,649             $ 41,080     $ 42,953  
                                 


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AMERICAN EAGLE OUTFITTERS, INC.
 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
 
Unrecognized tax benefits decreased by $9.5 million and $1.9 million during Fiscal 2009 and 2008, respectively. The decreases were primarily due to federal and state income tax settlements and statute of limitation lapses. The Company does not anticipate any significant changes to the unrecognized tax benefits recorded at the balance sheet date over the next twelve months.
 
The Company records accrued interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits in the provision for income taxes. Accrued interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits included in the Consolidated Balance Sheet were $7.0 million and $11.4 million as of January 30, 2010 and January 31, 2009, respectively. During Fiscal 2009, the Company recognized a net benefit of $3.3 million in the provision for income taxes related to the reversal of accrued interest and penalties primarily due to federal and state income tax settlements. An immaterial amount of interest and penalties were recognized in the provision for income taxes during Fiscal 2008 and 2007.
 
The Company and its subsidiaries file income tax returns in the U.S. federal jurisdiction and various state and foreign jurisdictions. The Internal Revenue Service (“IRS”) examination of the Company’s U.S. federal income tax returns for the tax years ended July 2006 and July 2007 were completed in November of 2009. Additionally, the previously unagreed item for the tax years ended July 2003 to July 2005 was resolved through a review and agreement with IRS Appeals during Fiscal 2009. Accordingly, all years prior to July 2008 are no longer subject to U.S. federal income tax examinations by tax authorities. During Fiscal 2009, the Company changed its tax year end to a 52/53 week year that ends on the Saturday nearest January 31 from July 31 to conform to its financial statement year end. This change was effective for the tax year ended January 31, 2009. An IRS examination of the July 2008 and January 2009 federal income tax returns is scheduled to begin in the first quarter of Fiscal 2010. The Company does not anticipate that any adjustments will result in a material change to its financial position, results of operations or cash flow. With respect to state and local jurisdictions and countries outside of the United States, with limited exceptions, generally, the Company and its subsidiaries are no longer subject to income tax audits for tax years before 2003. Although the outcome of tax audits is always uncertain, the Company believes that adequate amounts of tax, interest and penalties have been provided for any adjustments that are expected to result from these years.
 
The Company has foreign tax credit carryovers associated with the repatriation of earnings from Canada in the amount of $26.8 million as of January 30, 2010. The foreign tax credit carryovers expire in Fiscal 2019 to the extent not utilized. No valuation allowance has been recorded on the foreign tax credit carryovers because we believe it is more likely than not the foreign tax credits will be utilized prior to expiration.
 
The Company has been certified to qualify for nonrefundable incentive tax credits in Kansas for additional expenditures related to the Ottawa, Kansas distribution center. As a result, the Company has a deferred tax asset related to Kansas tax credit carryforwards of $5.0 million (net of federal income taxes). These tax credits can be utilized to offset future Kansas income taxes and will generally expire in eight years. The use of these tax credits is dependent upon the level of income tax due to Kansas and the Company meeting certain requirements in future periods. Due to the contingencies related to the future use of these tax credits, we believe it is more likely than not that the full benefit of this asset will not be realized within the carryforward period. Thus, a valuation allowance of $5.0 million (net of federal income taxes) has been recorded as of January 30, 2010. The valuation allowance recorded as of January 31, 2009 was $3.8 million. The Company may earn additional tax credits or change its assessment of the valuation allowance if certain employment and training requirements are met.
 
During Fiscal 2009 and 2008, the Company recorded a valuation allowance against deferred tax assets arising from the other than temporary impairment or disposition of certain investment securities. The disposition of the investment securities results in a capital loss that can only be utilized to the extent of capital gains. These capital losses are subject to a three year carryback period and a five year carryforward period for tax purposes. The capital losses generally will expire in Fiscal 2014. Due to the contingencies related to the future use of these capital losses, we believe it is more likely than not that the full benefit of this asset will not be realized within the carryforward period. Thus, the Company has recorded a valuation allowance against the deferred tax assets arising from the other than temporary impairment or disposition of these investment securities. The valuation allowance related to these investment securities was $10.7 million and $9.1 million as of January 30, 2010 and January 31, 2009, respectively.


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AMERICAN EAGLE OUTFITTERS, INC.
 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
 
The Company has not recorded a valuation allowance on the temporary impairment of the investment securities recorded in other comprehensive income. The Company believes this treatment is consistent with the Company’s intent and ability to hold the debt securities to recovery.
 
A reconciliation between the statutory federal income tax rate and the effective income tax rate from continuing operations follows:
 
                         
    For the Years Ended  
    January 30,
    January 31,
    February 2,
 
    2010     2009     2008  
 
Federal income tax rate
    35 %     35 %     35 %
State income taxes, net of federal income tax effect
    3       3       3  
Canadian earnings repatriation
    (7 )            
Tax settlements
    (5 )            
Valuation allowance on ARS and ARPS impairment
    1       3          
Tax impact of tax exempt interest
          (1 )     (1 )
                         
      27 %     40 %     37 %
                         
 
14.   Quarterly Financial Information — Unaudited
 
The sum of the quarterly EPS amounts may not equal the full year amount as the computations of the weighted average shares outstanding for each quarter and the full year are calculated independently.
 
                                 
    Fiscal 2009
    Quarters Ended
    May 2,
  August 1,
  October 31,
  January 30,
    2009   2009   2009   2010
    (In thousands, except per share amounts)
 
Net sales
  $ 611,986     $ 657,596     $ 748,962     $ 971,976  
Gross profit
    220,925       248,833       300,128       388,163  
Net income
    21,967       28,572       59,159       59,324  
Income per common share — basic
    0.11       0.14       0.29       0.29  
Income per common share — diluted
    0.11       0.14       0.28       0.28  
 
                                 
    Fiscal 2008
    Quarters Ended
    May 3,
  August 2,
  November 1,
  January 31,
    2008   2008   2008   2009
    (In thousands, except per share amounts)
 
Net sales
  $ 640,302     $ 688,815     $ 754,036     $ 905,713  
Gross profit
    263,667       289,384       309,412       311,638  
Net income
    43,895       59,831       42,604       32,731  
Income per common share — basic
    0.21       0.29       0.21       0.16  
Income per common share — diluted
    0.21       0.29       0.21       0.16  
 
15.   Subsequent Event
 
On March 5, 2010, the Company’s Board 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


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AMERICAN EAGLE OUTFITTERS, INC.
 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
 
strategic alternatives, which revealed that it was not achieving performance levels that warranted further investment.
 
As a result of this decision, the Company plans to close all 28 stores and cease all online and corporate operations of M+O in Fiscal 2010. The timing of the store closures is dependent on a number of factors that include negotiating third-party agreements, adherence to notification requirements and local laws.
 
In conjunction with the closing of M+O, the Company expects the Fiscal 2010 cash outflow, net of associated tax benefits, to be approximately $10 million to $40 million. This is comprised of estimated pre-tax charges of approximately $32 million to $77 million, which includes lease-related items of approximately $18 million to $63 million, severance of approximately $10 million and other charges of approximately $4 million. Additionally, the Company estimates approximately $29 million of non-cash, pre-tax impairment charges and inventory write downs. These charges are expected to be recognized primarily over the first half of Fiscal 2010.
 
The above estimates are preliminary and based on a number of significant assumptions and could change materially.
 
Refer to Note 2 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information regarding M+O store impairments previously recorded.
 
The Company has evaluated the existence of subsequent events through the filing date of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.


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ITEM 9.   CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE.
 
None.
 
ITEM 9A.   CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES.
 
Disclosure Controls and Procedures
 
We maintain disclosure controls and procedures that are designed to provide reasonable assurance that information required to be disclosed in our reports under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”), is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the SEC’s rules and forms, and that such information is accumulated and communicated to the management of American Eagle Outfitters, Inc. (the “Management”), including our Principal Executive Officer and our Principal Financial Officer, as appropriate, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure. In designing and evaluating the disclosure controls and procedures, Management recognized that any controls and procedures, no matter how well designed and operated, can provide only reasonable assurance of achieving the desired control objectives.
 
In connection with the preparation of this Annual Report on Form 10-K as of January 30, 2010, an evaluation was performed under the supervision and with the participation of our Management, including the Principal Executive Officer and Principal Financial Officer, of the effectiveness of the design and operation of the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rule 13a-15(e) under the Exchange Act). Based upon that evaluation, our Principal Executive Officer and our Principal Financial Officer have concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures were effective at the reasonable assurance level as of the end of the period covered by this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
 
Management’s Annual Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
 
Our Management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Rule 13a-15(f) under the Exchange Act). Our internal control over financial reporting is designed to provide a reasonable assurance to our Management and our Board regarding the preparation and fair presentation of published financial statements.
 
All internal control systems, no matter how well designed have inherent limitations. Therefore, even those systems determined to be effective can provide only reasonable assurance with respect to financial statement preparation and presentation.
 
Our Management assessed the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting as of January 30, 2010. In making this assessment, our Management used the criteria set forth by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO) in Internal Control — Integrated Framework. Based on this assessment, our Management concluded that we maintained effective internal control over financial reporting as of January 30, 2010.
 
The Company’s independent registered public accounting firm that audited the financial statements included in this Annual Report issued an attestation report on the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.
 
Changes in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
 
There were no changes in our internal control over financial reporting during the three months ended January 30, 2010 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.


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Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
 
The Board of Directors and Stockholders of
American Eagle Outfitters, Inc.
 
We have audited American Eagle Outfitters, Inc.’s internal control over financial reporting as of January 30, 2010, based on criteria established in Internal Control — Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (the COSO criteria). American Eagle Outfitters, Inc.’s (the Company) management is responsible for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting, and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting included in the accompanying Management’s Annual Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company’s internal control over financial reporting based on our audit.
 
We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects. Our audit included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk, and performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.
 
A company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. A company’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (1) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (2) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (3) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use or disposition of the company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.
 
Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.
 
In our opinion, American Eagle Outfitters, Inc. maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of January 30, 2010, based on the COSO criteria.
 
We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the consolidated balance sheets of American Eagle Outfitters, Inc. as of January 30, 2010 and January 31, 2009 and the related consolidated statements of operations, comprehensive income, stockholders’ equity, and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended January 30, 2010 of American Eagle Outfitters, Inc. and our report dated March 26, 2010 expressed an unqualified opinion thereon.
 
/s/  Ernst & Young LLP
 
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
March 26, 2010


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ITEM 9B.   OTHER INFORMATION.
 
Not applicable.
 
PART III
 
ITEM 10.   DIRECTORS, EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE.
 
The information appearing under the captions “Proposal One: Election of Directors,” “Executive Officers,” “Section 16(a) Beneficial Ownership Reporting Compliance,” and “Information Concerning the Board of Directors” in our Proxy Statement relating to our 2010 Annual Meeting of Stockholders is incorporated herein by reference.
 
ITEM 11.   EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION.
 
The information appearing under the caption “Compensation Discussion and Analysis,” “Executive Officer Compensation,” and “Information Concerning the Board of Directors” in our Proxy Statement relating to our 2010 Annual Meeting of Stockholders is incorporated herein by reference.
 
ITEM 12.   SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS.
 
The information appearing under the captions “Security Ownership of Principal Stockholders and Management” in our Proxy Statement relating to our 2010 Annual Meeting of Stockholders is incorporated herein by reference.
 
ITEM 13.   CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS, AND DIRECTOR INDEPENDENCE.
 
The information appearing under the caption “Certain Relationships and Related Transactions” and “Information Concerning the Board of Directors” in our Proxy Statement relating to our 2010 Annual Meeting of Stockholders is incorporated herein by reference.
 
ITEM 14.   PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTING FEES AND SERVICES.
 
The information appearing under the caption “Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm Fees and Services” in our Proxy Statement relating to our 2010 Annual Meeting of Stockholders is incorporated herein by reference.
 
PART IV
 
ITEM 15.   EXHIBITS AND FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES.
 
(a)(1) The following consolidated financial statements are included in Item 8:
 
 
Consolidated Balance Sheets as of January 30, 2010 and January 31, 2009
Consolidated Statements of Operations for the fiscal years ended January 30, 2010, January 31, 2009 and February 2, 2008
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income for the fiscal years ended January 30, 2010, January 31, 2009 and February 2, 2008
Consolidated Statements of Stockholders’ Equity for the fiscal years ended January 30, 2010, January 31, 2009 and February 2, 2008
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the fiscal years ended January 30, 2010, January 31, 2009 and February 2, 2008
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements


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(a)(2) Financial statement schedules have been omitted because either they are not required or are not applicable or because the information required to be set forth therein is not material.
 
(a)(3) Exhibits
 
         
Exhibit
   
Number
 
Description
 
  3 .1   Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation, as amended(1)
  3 .2   Amended and Restated Bylaws(2)
  4 .1   See Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation, as amended, in Exhibit 3.1 hereof
  4 .2   See Amended and Restated Bylaws in Exhibit 3.2 hereof
  10 .1ˆ   Form of the Registrant’s 1994 Stock Option Plan(3)
  10 .2ˆ   Form of Restricted Stock Agreement(4)
  10 .3   Form of Indemnification Agreement(5)
  10 .4ˆ   Employee Stock Purchase Plan(6)
  10 .5ˆ   Form of the Registrant’s 1999 Stock Incentive Plan, as amended(7)
  10 .6ˆ   Management Incentive Plan(8)
  10 .7ˆ   Employment Agreement between the Registrant and LeAnn Nealz dated March 31, 2004(9)
  10 .8ˆ   Profit Sharing and 401(k) Plan(10)
  10 .9ˆ   Employment Agreement between the Registrant and Roger S. Markfield, dated March 21, 2007(11)
  10 .10ˆ   Deferred Compensation Plan, as amended(12)
  10 .11ˆ   Employment Agreement between the Registrant and Thomas DiDonato, dated June 29, 2005(13)
  10 .12ˆ   Form of Director Deferred Compensation Agreement(14)
  10 .13ˆ   Restricted Stock Exchange and Deferral Agreement, dated July 12, 2006(15)
  10 .14ˆ   Form of 409A Addendum(16)
  10 .15ˆ   Form of Long Term Incentive Compensation Plan Confidentiality, non-solicitation, non-competition and Intellectual Property Agreement(17)
  10 .16ˆ   Employment Agreement between the Registrant and Dennis Parodi, dated February 18, 2003(18)
  10 .17ˆ   Amendment to the Employment Agreement between the Registrant and Dennis Parodi, dated February 6, 2006(19)
  10 .18ˆ   Employment Agreement between the Registrant and Joan Hilson, dated July 18, 2005(20)
  10 .19ˆ   Separation Agreement Release — Susan P. McGalla, dated August 27, 2008(21)
  10 .20ˆ   Employment Agreement between the Registrant and Roger S. Markfield, dated January 13, 2009(22)
  10 .21ˆ   Separation Agreement and Release between the Registrant and Kathy J. Savitt, dated January 20, 2009(23)
  10 .22ˆ   2005 Stock Award and Incentive Plan, as amended(24)
  10 .23ˆ   Employment Agreement between the Registrant and James V. O’Donnell, as amended, dated January 11, 2010(25)
  21*     Subsidiaries
  23*     Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
  24*     Power of Attorney
  31 .1*   Certification by James V. O’Donnell pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) or Rule 15d-14(a)
  31 .2*   Certification by Joan Holstein Hilson pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) or Rule 15d-14(a)
  32 .1**   Certification of Principal Executive Officer Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
  32 .2**   Certification of Principal Financial Officer Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002


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(1) Previously filed as Exhibit 3.1 to the Form 10-Q dated August 4, 2007, filed September 6, 2007 and incorporated herein by reference.
 
(2) Previously filed as Exhibit 3.1 to the Form 8-K dated November 20, 2007, filed November 26, 2007 and incorporated herein by reference.
 
(3) Previously filed as Exhibit 4(a) to Registration Statement on Form S-8 (file no. 33-79358), filed May 25, 1994, as amended on Form S-8 (file no. 333-12643), filed September 25, 1996 and Form S-8 (file no. 333-44759), filed January 22, 1998 and incorporated herein by reference.
 
(4) Previously filed as Exhibit 4(a) to Registration Statement on Form S-8 (file no. 33-79358), filed May 25, 1994 and incorporated herein by reference.
 
(5) Previously filed as Exhibit 10.7 to Registration Statement on Form S-1 (file no. 33-75294), filed February 14, 1994, as amended, and incorporated herein by reference.
 
(6) Previously filed as Exhibit 4(a) to Registration Statement on Form S-8 (file no. 33-33278), filed April 5, 1996 and incorporated herein by reference.
 
(7) Previously files as Exhibit 10.5 to the Form 10-K dated February 3, 2007, filed April 4, 2007 and incorporated herein by reference.
 
(8) Previously filed as Appendix A to the Definitive Proxy Statement for the 2003 Annual Meeting of Stockholders held on May 27, 2003, filed April 14, 2003 and incorporated herein by reference.
 
(9) Previously filed as Exhibit 10.12 to the Form 10-Q (file no. 000-23760) for the period ended July 31, 2004, filed September 3, 2004 and incorporated herein by reference.
 
(10) Previously filed as Exhibit 4(a) to Registration Statement on Form S-8 (file no. 333-121641), filed December 23, 2004, as amended and incorporated herein by reference.
 
(11) Previously filed as Exhibit 10.1 to the Form 8-K dated March 21, 2007, filed March 26, 2007 and incorporated herein by reference.
 
(12) Previously filed as Exhibit 10.2 to the Form 8-K dated December 17, 2008, filed December 23, 2008 and incorporated herein by reference.
 
(13) Previously filed as Exhibit 10.1 to the Form 10-Q for the period ended October 29, 2005, filed December 5, 2005 and incorporated herein by reference.
 
(14) Previously filed as Exhibit 10.1 to the Form 8-K dated December 30, 2005, filed January 5, 2006 and incorporated herein by reference.
 
(15) Previously filed as Exhibit 10.1 to the Form 8-K dated July 12, 2006, filed July 18, 2006 and incorporated herein by reference.
 
(16) Previously filed as Exhibit 10.3 to the Form 8-K dated December 17, 2008, filed December 23, 2008 and incorporated herein by reference.
 
(17) Previously filed as Exhibit 10.1 to the Form 8-K dated May 20, 2008, filed May 23, 2008 and incorporated herein by reference.
 
(18) Previously filed as Exhibit 10.1 to the Form 8-K dated February 28, 2006, filed March 7, 2006 and incorporated herein by reference.
 
(19) Previously filed as Exhibit 10.2 to the Form 8-K dated February 28, 2006, filed March 7, 2006 and incorporated herein by reference.
 
(20) Previously filed as Exhibit 10.1 to the Form 8-K dated April 18, 2006, filed April 24, 2006 and incorporated herein by reference.
 
(21) Previously filed as Exhibit 10.1 to the Form 8-K dated August 27, 2008, filed August 29, 2008 and incorporated herein by reference.
 
(22) Previously filed as Exhibit 10.1 to the Form 8-K dated January 13, 2009, filed January 15, 2009 and incorporated herein by reference.
 
(23) Previously filed as Exhibit 10.1 to the Form 8-K dated January 20, 2009, filed January 23, 2009 and incorporated herein by reference.


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(24) Previously filed as Appendix A to the Definitive Proxy Statement for the 2009 Annual Meeting of Stockholders held on June 16, 2009, filed May 4, 2009 and incorporated herein by reference.
 
(25) Previously filed as Exhibit 10.1 to the Form 8-K dated January 11, 2010, filed January 12, 2010 and incorporated herein by reference.
 
 
ˆ Management contract of compensatory plan of arrangement.
 
Filed herewith.
 
** Furnished herewith.
 
(b) Exhibits
 
The exhibits to this report have been filed herewith.
 
(c) Financial Statement Schedules
 
None.


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SIGNATURES
 
Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) 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.
 
AMERICAN EAGLE OUTFITTERS, INC.
 
  By: 
/s/  James V. O’Donnell
James V. O’Donnell
Chief Executive Officer
 
Dated March 26, 2010
 
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed by the following persons in the capacities indicated on March 26, 2010.
 
         
Signature
 
Title
 
     
/s/  James V. O’Donnell

James V. O’Donnell
  Chief Executive Officer and Director
(Principal Executive Officer)
     
/s/  Joan Holstein Hilson

Joan Holstein Hilson
  Executive Vice President and
Chief Financial Officer
(Principal Financial Officer and Principal
Accounting Officer)
     
*

Jay L. Schottenstein
  Chairman of the Board and Director
     
*

Jon P. Diamond
  Director
     
*

Michael G. Jesselson
  Director
     
*

Alan Kane
  Director
     
*

Roger S. Markfield
  Director
     
*

Cary D. McMillan
  Director
     
*

Janice E. Page
  Director
     
*

J. Thomas Presby
  Director
     
*

Gerald E. Wedren
  Director
         
*By:  
/s/  Joan Holstein Hilson

Joan Holstein Hilson,
Attorney-in-Fact
   


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