American Eagle Outfitters, Inc. 10-Q
Table of Contents

 
 
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
 
FORM 10-Q
 
     
þ   QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(D) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the quarterly period ended August 2, 2008
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   15203-2329
(Address of principal executive offices)   (Zip Code)
Registrant’s telephone number, including area code: (412) 432-3300
Former name, former address and former fiscal year, if changed since last report:
N/A
 
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to the filing requirements for at least the past 90 days. YES þ      NO o
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer”, “accelerated filer”, and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check one):
             
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 Exchange Act). YES o      NO þ
Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the issuer’s classes of common stock, as of the latest practicable date: 205,890,966 Common Shares were outstanding at August 29, 2008.
 
 

 


 

AMERICAN EAGLE OUTFITTERS, INC.
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Item 1. Legal Proceedings
    N/A  
 
       
    27  
 
       
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Item 3. Defaults Upon Senior Securities
    N/A  
 
       
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Item 5. Other Information
    N/A  
 
       
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 EX-15
 EX-31.1
 EX-31.2
 EX-32.1
 EX-32.2

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PART I
ITEM 1. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.
AMERICAN EAGLE OUTFITTERS, INC.
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
                         
    August 2,     February 2,     August 4,  
    2008     2008     2007  
(In thousands, except share and per share amounts)   (Unaudited)             (Unaudited)  
Assets
                       
Current assets:
                       
Cash and cash equivalents
  $ 353,390     $ 116,061     $ 123,717  
Short-term investments
    26,936       503,878       493,278  
Merchandise inventory
    341,463       286,485       321,263  
Accounts and note receivable
    26,697       31,920       29,783  
Prepaid expenses and other
    64,009       35,486       61,353  
Deferred income taxes
    46,839       47,004       44,194  
 
                 
Total current assets
    859,334       1,020,834       1,073,588  
 
                 
 
Property and equipment, at cost, net of accumulated depreciation and amortization
    718,639       625,568       552,218  
Goodwill
    11,370       11,479       9,950  
Long-term investments
    308,699       165,810       142,730  
Non-current deferred income taxes
    27,338       24,238       37,822  
Other assets, net
    19,944       19,751       20,223  
 
                 
Total assets
  $ 1,945,324     $ 1,867,680     $ 1,836,531  
 
                 
 
                       
Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity
                       
Current liabilities:
                       
Accounts payable
  $ 145,507     $ 157,928     $ 146,431  
Notes payable
    75,000              
Accrued compensation and payroll taxes
    27,157       49,494       35,099  
Accrued rent
    62,970       62,161       56,259  
Accrued income and other taxes
    12,159       22,803       13,290  
Unredeemed gift cards and gift certificates
    29,771       54,554       30,093  
Current portion of deferred lease credits
    13,988       12,953       12,787  
Other liabilities and accrued expenses
    19,163       16,285       19,307  
 
                 
Total current liabilities
    385,715       376,178       313,266  
 
                 
Non-current liabilities:
                       
Deferred lease credits
    81,598       70,355       64,472  
Non-current accrued income taxes
    43,875       44,837       52,514  
Other non-current liabilities
    28,819       35,846       31,441  
 
                 
Total non-current liabilities
    154,292       151,038       148,427  
 
                 
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; 249,443, 248,763 and 248,777 shares issued; 204,961, 204,480 and 216,573 shares outstanding, respectively
    2,485       2,481       2,481  
 
Contributed capital
    506,104       493,395       479,450  
Accumulated other comprehensive income
    26,111       35,485       29,381  
Retained earnings
    1,663,156       1,601,784       1,405,414  
Treasury stock, 43,564, 43,596 and 31,499 shares, respectively
    (792,539 )     (792,681 )     (541,888 )
 
                 
Total stockholders’ equity
    1,405,317       1,340,464       1,374,838  
 
                 
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity
  $ 1,945,324     $ 1,867,680     $ 1,836,531  
 
                 
See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

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AMERICAN EAGLE OUTFITTERS, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS AND RETAINED EARNINGS
(Unaudited)
                                 
    13 Weeks Ended     26 Weeks Ended  
    August 2,     August 4,     August 2,     August 4,  
(In thousands, except per share amounts)   2008     2007     2008     2007  
Net sales
  $ 688,815     $ 703,189     $ 1,329,117     $ 1,315,575  
Cost of sales, including certain buying, occupancy and warehousing expenses (exclusive of depreciation shown separately below)
    399,431       386,742       776,065       700,669  
 
                       
Gross profit
    289,384       316,447       553,052       614,906  
 
Selling, general and administrative expenses
    167,898       166,386       337,537       323,375  
Depreciation and amortization expense
    32,059       27,375       61,609       52,857  
 
                       
Operating income
    89,427       122,686       153,906       238,674  
Other income, net
    3,975       8,766       10,433       20,067  
 
                       
Income before income taxes
    93,402       131,452       164,339       258,741  
Provision for income taxes
    33,571       50,108       60,613       98,627  
 
                       
Net income
  $ 59,831     $ 81,344     $ 103,726     $ 160,114  
 
                       
 
                               
Basic income per common share
  $ 0.29     $ 0.37     $ 0.51     $ 0.73  
Diluted income per common share
  $ 0.29     $ 0.37     $ 0.50     $ 0.71  
Cash dividends per common share
  $ 0.10     $ 0.10     $ 0.20     $ 0.18  
 
                               
Weighted average common shares outstanding — basic
    204,929       217,790       204,962       219,409  
Weighted average common shares outstanding — diluted
    207,504       222,044       207,890       223,943  
 
                               
Retained earnings, beginning
  $ 1,624,800     $ 1,350,400     $ 1,601,784     $ 1,302,345  
Adoption of FIN 48
                      (13,304 )
Net income
    59,831       81,344       103,726       160,114  
Cash dividends
    (20,494 )     (21,702 )     (40,919 )     (38,222 )
Reissuance of treasury stock
    (981 )     (4,628 )     (1,435 )     (5,519 )
 
                       
Retained earnings, ending
  $ 1,663,156     $ 1,405,414     $ 1,663,156     $ 1,405,414  
 
                       
See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

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AMERICAN EAGLE OUTFITTERS, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(Unaudited)
                 
    26 Weeks Ended  
    August 2,     August 4,  
(In thousands)   2008     2007  
Operating activities:
               
Net income
  $ 103,726     $ 160,114  
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
               
Depreciation and amortization
    61,609       52,857  
Share-based compensation
    12,909       19,686  
Deferred income taxes
    (583 )     (18,976 )
Tax benefit from share-based payments
    241       6,916  
Excess tax benefit from share-based payments
    (279 )     (5,754 )
Changes in assets and liabilities:
               
Merchandise inventory
    (55,671 )     (55,137 )
Accounts and note receivable
    5,183       (3,937 )
Prepaid expenses and other
    (28,593 )     (27,337 )
Other assets, net
    457       (3,125 )
Accounts payable
    (12,050 )     (26,216 )
Unredeemed gift cards and gift certificates
    (24,694 )     (24,817 )
Deferred lease credits
    11,354       (1,127 )
Accrued income and other taxes
    (11,704 )     (32,216 )
Accrued liabilities
    (22,987 )     (26,432 )
 
           
Total adjustments
    (64,808 )     (145,615 )
 
           
Net cash provided by operating activities
    38,918       14,499  
Investing activities:
               
Capital expenditures
    (157,486 )     (120,322 )
Purchase of investments
    (49,929 )     (435,546 )
Sale of investments
    374,937       822,547  
Other investing activities
    (958 )     (820 )
 
           
Net cash provided by investing activities
    166,564       265,859  
Financing activities:
               
Payments on capital leases
    (798 )     (846 )
Net proceeds from issuance of notes payable
    75,000        
Repurchase of common stock as part of publicly announced programs
          (184,761 )
Repurchase of common stock from employees
    (3,409 )     (12,249 )
Net proceeds from stock options exercised
    1,668       11,691  
Excess tax benefit from share-based payments
    279       5,754  
Cash dividends paid
    (40,919 )     (38,222 )
 
           
Net cash provided by (used for) financing activities
    31,821       (218,633 )
 
           
Effect of exchange rate on cash
    26       2,255  
 
           
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents
    237,329       63,980  
Cash and cash equivalents — beginning of period
    116,061       59,737  
 
           
Cash and cash equivalents — end of period
  $ 353,390     $ 123,717  
 
           
 
Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information:
               
Cash paid during the period for income taxes
  $ 97,479     $ 164,446  
Cash paid during the period for interest
  $ 650        
See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

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AMERICAN EAGLE OUTFITTERS, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
1. Interim Financial Statements
The accompanying Consolidated Financial Statements of American Eagle Outfitters, Inc. (the “Company”) at August 2, 2008 and August 4, 2007 and for the 13 and 26 week periods ended August 2, 2008 and August 4, 2007 have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America for interim financial information and with the instructions to Form 10-Q and Article 10 of Regulation S-X. Accordingly, they do not include all of the information and footnotes required by accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America for complete financial statements. Certain notes and other information have been condensed or omitted from the interim Consolidated Financial Statements presented in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q. Therefore, these Consolidated Financial Statements should be read in conjunction with the Company’s Fiscal 2007 Annual Report. In the opinion of our management, all adjustments (consisting of normal recurring adjustments) considered necessary for a fair presentation have been included.
As used in this report, all references to “we,” “our,” and the “Company” refer to American Eagle Outfitters, Inc. and its wholly-owned subsidiaries. “American Eagle Outfitters,” “American Eagle,” “AE,” and the “AE Brand” refer to our U.S. and Canadian American Eagle Outfitters stores. “AEO Direct” refers to our e-commerce operations, ae.com, aerie.com, martinandosa.com and 77kids.com.
The Company’s business is affected by the pattern of seasonality common to most retail apparel businesses. The results for the current and prior periods are not necessarily indicative of future financial results.
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 August 2, 2008, 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,” “Fiscal 2009” and “Fiscal 2008” refer to the 52 week periods ending January 29, 2011, January 30, 2010, and January 31, 2009, respectively. “Fiscal 2007” refers to the 52 week period ended February 2, 2008 and “Fiscal 2006” refers to the 53 week period ended February 3, 2007. “Fiscal 2005” refers to the 52 week period ended January 28, 2006.
Estimates
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of our contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates. On an ongoing basis, our management reviews its estimates based on currently available information. Changes in facts and circumstances may result in revised estimates.
Recent Accounting Pronouncements
In June 2008, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Staff Position (“FSP”) EITF No. 03-6-1, Determining Whether Instruments Granted in Share-Based Payment Transactions Are Participating Securities (“FSP EITF No. 03-6-1”). FSP EITF No. 03-6-1 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 need to be included in computing earnings per share under the two-class method, as described in Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (“SFAS”) No. 128 Earnings Per Share (“SFAS No. 128”). This FSP will be effective for the Company beginning in the first quarter of Fiscal 2009 and will be applied retrospectively in accordance with the FSP. The Company is currently evaluating the impact that the adoption of FSP EITF No. 03-6-1 will have on its Consolidated Financial Statements.

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Foreign Currency Translation
The Canadian dollar is the functional currency for the Canadian business. In accordance with SFAS No. 52, Foreign Currency Translation (“SFAS No. 52”), 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 SFAS No. 130, Reporting Comprehensive Income (see Note 7 of the Consolidated Financial Statements).
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.
Revenue is not recorded on the purchase of gift cards. A current liability is recorded upon purchase, and revenue is recognized when the gift card is redeemed for merchandise. Additionally, the Company recognizes revenue on unredeemed gift cards based on an estimate of the amounts that will not be redeemed (“gift card breakage”), determined through historical redemption trends. Gift card breakage revenue is recognized in proportion to actual gift card redemptions as a component of net sales. For further information on the Company’s gift card program, see 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 13 weeks and 26 weeks ended August 2, 2008, the Company recorded $0.5 million and $22.2 million in proceeds and $0.2 and $22.9 million of cost of sell-offs in net sales and cost of sales, respectively. For the 13 weeks and 26 weeks ended August 4, 2007, the Company recorded $2.9 million and $13.7 million of proceeds and $2.8 million and $14.7 million of cost of sell-offs in net sales and cost of sales, respectively.
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. 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.
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.
Other Income, Net
Other income, net consists primarily of interest income as well as interest expense and foreign currency transaction gain/loss. As of July 8, 2007, the Company discontinued assessing a service fee on inactive gift cards. Prior to July 8, 2007, the Company recorded gift card service fee income in other income, net. The Company recorded gift card service fee income of $0.2 million and $0.8 million for the 13 weeks and 26 weeks ended August 4, 2007, respectively.

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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 August 2, 2008, short-term investments generally included investments with remaining effective maturities of less than 12 months consisting primarily of auction-rate securities (“ARS”) classified as available-for-sale, that have been called or have experienced partial redemptions.
As of August 2, 2008, long-term investments included investments with remaining maturities of greater than 12 months and consisted primarily of auction-rate securities classified as available-for-sale that have experienced failed auctions. The remaining contractual maturities of our ARS classified as long-term investments is three to 39 years. The weighted average maturity for long-term investments is approximately 21 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. 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.
The Company evaluates its investments for impairment in accordance with FSP SFAS 115-1, The Meaning of Other-Than-Temporary Impairment and Its Application to Certain Investments (“FSP SFAS 115-1”). FSP SFAS 115-1 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 would be recognized equal to the difference between the investment’s cost and its fair value.
See Note 3 of the Consolidated Financial Statements for information regarding cash and cash equivalents, short-term investments and long-term investments.
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 can be affected by changes in merchandise mix and changes in actual shrinkage trends.
Income Taxes
The Company calculates income taxes in accordance with SFAS No. 109, Accounting for Income Taxes. Effective February 4, 2007, the Company adopted FASB Interpretation No. 48, Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes — An Interpretation of FASB Statement No. 109 (“FIN 48”). FIN 48 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 FIN 48, 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. As a result of adopting FIN 48, the Company recorded a net liability of approximately $13.3 million for unrecognized tax benefits, which was accounted for as a reduction to the beginning balance of retained earnings as of February 4, 2007.

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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 5 to 10 years or the term of the lease
Fixtures and equipment
  3 to 5 years
In accordance with SFAS No. 144, Accounting for the Impairment or Disposal of Long Lived Assets (“SFAS No. 144”), our management evaluates the ongoing value of leasehold improvements and store fixtures associated with retail stores, which have been open longer than one year. Impairment losses are recorded on long-lived assets used in operations when events and circumstances indicate that the assets might be impaired and the undiscounted cash flows estimated to be generated by those assets are less than the carrying amounts of the assets. When events such as these occur, the impaired assets are adjusted to their estimated fair value and an impairment loss is recorded in selling, general and administrative expenses.
Goodwill
As of August 2, 2008, the Company had approximately $11.4 million of goodwill, which 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. In accordance with SFAS No. 142, Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets, management evaluates goodwill for possible impairment on at least an annual basis.
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 income, net.
On July 8, 2007, the Company discontinued assessing a service fee on inactive 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. During the 13 and 26 weeks ended August 2, 2008, the Company recorded $1.4 and $3.0 million of revenue related to gift card breakage. The Company recorded $4.8 million of revenue related to gift card breakage during the 26 weeks ended August 4, 2007. This amount included cumulative breakage revenue related to gift cards issued since the Company introduced its gift card program.
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.
Co-branded Credit Card and Customer Loyalty Program
In April 2008, the Company introduced a new co-branded credit card (the “AE Visa Card”) and re-launched its private label credit card (the “AE Credit Card”). 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. The Bank pays fees to the Company, which are recorded as revenue, based on the number of credit card accounts activated and on card usage volume. 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, 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 result in the issuance of an AE gift card when a certain point threshold is 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.

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The Company determined that points earned under the credit card rewards program on purchases at AE and aerie should be accounted for in accordance with Emerging Issues Task Force (“EITF”) Issue No. 00-22, Accounting for “Points” and Certain Other Time-Based or Volume-Based Sales Incentive Offers, and Offers for Free Products or Services to Be Delivered in the Future (“EITF 00-22”). Accordingly, the portion of the sales revenue attributed to the award points is deferred and recognized when the award gift card 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 EITF Issue No. 01-09, Accounting for Consideration Given by a Vendor to a Customer (Including a Reseller of the Vendor’s Products) (“EITF 01-09”). As the points are earned, a current liability is recorded for the estimated cost of the award gift card, and the impact of adjustments is recorded in cost of sales.
The Company also offers its customers the AE All-Access Pass (the “Pass”), a customer loyalty program. Using the Pass, 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 has historically accounted for the credits earned using the Pass in accordance with EITF 01-09. However, in connection with the launch of the credit card rewards program, the Company determined that these credits should be accounted for consistently in accordance with EITF 00-22. The effect of applying EITF 00-22 did not have a material impact on the Company’s Consolidated Financial Statements. Accordingly, beginning in Fiscal 2008, the portion of the sales revenue attributed to the award credits is deferred and recognized when the award credits 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 common stock for repurchase under a 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. Of this amount, 6.5 million shares were purchased during the 26 weeks ended August 4, 2007 for $184.8 million, at a weighted average share price of $28.41. The Company did not repurchase any shares as part of its publicly announced repurchase programs during the 26 weeks ended August 2, 2008. As of August 2, 2008, the Company had 41.3 million shares remaining authorized for repurchase. These shares may be repurchased at the Company’s discretion. Of the 41.3 million shares that may yet be purchased under the program, the authorization relating to 11.3 million shares expires in Fiscal 2009 and the authorization relating to 30.0 million shares expires in Fiscal 2010.
During the 26 week periods ended August 2, 2008 and August 4, 2007, the Company repurchased approximately 0.2 and 0.4 million shares, respectively, from certain employees at market prices totaling approximately $3.4 million and $12.2 million, respectively. These shares were repurchased for the payment of taxes in connection with the vesting of share-based payments, as permitted under the 2005 Stock Award and Incentive Plan (the “2005 Plan”).
 
All of the aforementioned share repurchases have been recorded as treasury stock.
Earnings Per Share
The following table shows the amounts used in computing earnings per share.
                                 
    13 Weeks Ended     26 Weeks Ended  
    August 2,     August 4,     August 2,     August 4,  
(In thousands)   2008     2007     2008     2007  
Net income
  $ 59,831     $ 81,344     $ 103,726     $ 160,114  
Weighted average common shares outstanding:
                               
Basic shares
    204,929       217,790       204,962       219,409  
Dilutive effect of stock options and non-vested restricted stock
    2,575       4,254       2,928       4,534  
 
                       
Diluted shares
    207,504       222,044       207,890       223,943  
 
                       
Equity awards to purchase approximately 8.6 million and 6.9 million shares of common stock during the 13 weeks and 26 weeks ended August 2, 2008, and approximately 2.8 million shares during both the 13 and 26 weeks ended August 4, 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 the 13 weeks and 26 weeks ended August 2, 2008 approximately 0.9 and 0.7 million shares and approximately 0.6 million shares for both the 13 and 26 weeks ended August 4,

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2007, 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.
Segment Information
In accordance with SFAS No. 131, Disclosures about Segments of an Enterprise and Related Information (“SFAS No. 131”), the Company has identified five operating segments (American Eagle U.S. retail stores, American Eagle Canadian retail 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 SFAS No. 131.
Reclassification
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 values for 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:
                         
    August 2,     February 2,     August 4,  
(In thousands)   2008     2008     2007  
Cash and cash equivalents:
                       
Cash
  $ 68,938     $ 45,422     $ 83,235  
Money-market
    284,452       70,639       40,482  
 
                 
Total cash and cash equivalents
    353,390       116,061       123,717  
Short-term investments:
                       
Student-loan backed securities
          248,800       119,000  
Treasury and agency securities
          20,172       91,741  
State and local government securities
    22,436       136,161       165,144  
Corporate securities
    4,500       98,745       117,393  
 
                 
Total short-term investments
    26,936       503,878       493,278  
Long-term investments:
                       
Student-loan backed securities
    207,261              
Treasury and agency securities
          122,811       125,120  
State and local government securities
    59,537       6,419       2,610  
Corporate securities
    41,901       36,580       15,000  
 
                 
Total long-term investments
    308,699       165,810       142,730  
 
                 
Total
  $ 689,025     $ 785,749     $ 759,725  
 
                 
Proceeds from the sale of available-for-sale securities were $374.9 million and $822.5 million for the 26 weeks ended August 2, 2008 and August 4, 2007, respectively. These proceeds are offset against purchases of $49.9 million and $435.5 million for the 26 weeks ended August 2, 2008 and August 4, 2007, respectively. For the 13 weeks ended August 2, 2008, the amount of net realized loss related to available-for-sale securities was nominal. For the 26 weeks ended August 2, 2008, net realized gains related to available-for-sale securities of $0.1 million were included in other income, net. For the 13 weeks and 26 weeks ended August 4, 2007, net realized losses related to available-for-sale securities of $0.2 and $0.4 million, respectively, were included in other income, net.
As of August 2, 2008, the Company had a total of $689.0 million in cash and cash equivalents, short-term and long-term investments, which included $332.6 million of net investments in ARS. This amount includes approximately 62% federally insured student loan backed securities, 24% municipal and education authority bonds and 14% dividend received auction rate preferred securities. The Company’s ARS portfolio is comprised of approximately 60% AAA rated investments, 29% AA rated investments and 11% A rated investments.

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For the 26 weeks ended August 2, 2008, the Company experienced failed auctions for 49 ARS issues, representing principal and accrued interest in the total amount of $323.3 million. For the 26 weeks ended August 2, 2008, the Company also sold 33 ARS issues at par plus accrued interest, for a total of $84.9 million. Through the use of a discounted cash flow model, the Company concluded that the fair value of its remaining ARS issues was $332.6 million, excluding $2.0 million of accrued interest, at August 2, 2008. This amount is net of $8.2 million of unrealized losses that were recognized through other comprehensive income (“OCI”) for the 26 weeks ended August 2, 2008. The Company considers the decline in the fair value of its investments temporary, resulting from the current lack of liquidity relating to these investments. In addition, the Company believes that the current lack of liquidity relating to ARS investments will have no impact on its ability to fund its ongoing operations and growth initiatives.
The Company continues to monitor the market for auction-rate securities and consider the impact, if any, on the fair value of its investments. If current market conditions deteriorate further, we may be required to record additional unrealized losses in other comprehensive income. If the credit ratings of the security issuers significantly deteriorate, or the anticipated recovery in market values does not occur, we may be required to adjust the carrying value of these investments through an other-than-temporary impairment charge recorded in the Consolidated Statement of Operations.
See Note 4 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information regarding fair value measurement of our ARS.
4. Fair Value Measurements
In September 2006, the FASB issued SFAS No. 157 Fair Value Measurements (“SFAS No. 157”). SFAS No. 157 defines fair value, establishes a framework for measuring fair value in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States, and expands disclosures about fair value measurements. Fair value is defined under SFAS No. 157 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 has adopted the provisions of SFAS No. 157 as of February 3, 2008, for its financial instruments, including its auction-rate securities.
Valuation techniques used to measure fair value under SFAS No. 157 must maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs. In addition, SFAS No. 157 establishes a 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 that are supported by little or no market activity and that are significant to the fair value of the assets or liabilities.
As of August 2, 2008, 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 auction-rate securities.
In accordance with SFAS No. 157, the following table represents the Company’s fair value hierarchy for its financial assets (cash equivalents and investments) measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of August 2, 2008:

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    Fair Value Measurements at August 2, 2008
            Quoted Market        
            Prices in Active       Significant
            Markets for   Significant Other   Unobservable
    Carrying Amount as   Identical Assets   Observable Inputs   Inputs
(in thousands)   of August 2, 2008   (Level 1)   (Level 2)   (Level 3)
Cash and Cash Equivalents
                               
Cash
  $ 68,938     $ 68,938     $     $  
Money-market
    284,452       284,452              
     
Total cash and cash equivalents
    353,390       353,390              
Short-term Investments
                               
State and local government securities
    22,436       3,086       19,350        
Corporate securities
    4,500             4,500        
     
Total Short-term Investments
    26,936       3,086       23,850        
Long-term Investments
                               
Student-loan backed securities
    207,261                   207,261  
State and local government securities
    59,537                   59,537  
Corporate securities
    41,901                   41,901  
     
Total Long-term Investments
    308,699                   308,699  
     
Total
  $ 689,025     $ 356,476     $ 23,850     $ 308,699  
     
The Company has concluded that the ARS that it has classified as long-term due to failed auctions represent a Level 3 valuation within the SFAS No. 157 hierarchy. The Company determined that these ARS should be valued using a discounted cash flow analysis. The assumptions used in preparing the discounted cash flow model include estimates for interest rates, timing and amount of cash flows and expected holding periods of the ARS. As a result of the discounted cash flow analysis, for the 13 weeks ended August 2, 2008, the Company recorded a temporary impairment of $3.1 million in addition to the $5.1 million of temporary impairment recorded during the 13 weeks ended May 3, 2008. 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   Auction-Rate
Dividend
            Auction-Rate   Loan-Related   Received
            Municipal   Auction-Rate   Deduction
(in thousands)   Total   Securities   Securities   Securities
Carrying Value at Feb 2, 2008
  $     $     $     $  
Transfers to Level 3 (1)
    340,475       84,575       212,000       43,900  
(Settlements) (2)
    (23,625 )     (13,625 )           (10,000 )
Total Losses
                               
Reported in earnings
                       
Reported in OCI (3)
    (8,151 )     (1,413 )     (4,739 )     (1,999 )
     
Balance at August 2, 2008
  $ 308,699     $ 69,537     $ 207,261     $ 31,901  
     
 
(1)   Transfers to Level 3 represent amounts transferred during the first quarter of Fiscal 2008
 
(2)   Settlements occurred during the second quarter of Fiscal 2008
 
(3)   Temporary losses of $5.1 million and $3.1 million occurred during the first and second quarters of 2008, respectively

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5. Property and Equipment
Property and equipment consists of the following:
                         
    August 2,     February 2,     August 4,  
(In thousands)   2008     2008     2007  
Property and equipment, at cost
  $ 1,231,323     $ 1,091,310     $ 965,085  
Less: Accumulated depreciation and amortization
    (512,684 )     (465,742 )     (412,867 )
 
                 
Net property and equipment
  $ 718,639     $ 625,568     $ 552,218  
 
                 
6. Note Payable and Other Credit Arrangements
The Company has borrowing agreements with three separate financial institutions under which it may borrow an aggregate of $300.0 million. Of this amount, $100.0 million can be used for letter of credit facilities and $100.0 million can be used for demand line borrowings. The remaining $100.0 million can be used for either letters of credit or demand line borrowings at the Company’s discretion. As of August 2, 2008, the Company has outstanding letters of credit of $75.2 million and demand line borrowings of $75.0 million. The average borrowing rate on the demand lines was 3.25% and the Company has incorporated the demand line proceeds within working capital.
7. Comprehensive Income
Comprehensive income is comprised of the following:
                                 
    13 Weeks Ended     26 Weeks Ended  
    August 2,     August 4,     August 2,     August 4,  
(In thousands)   2008     2007     2008     2007  
Net income
  $ 59,831     $ 81,344     $ 103,726     $ 160,114  
Other comprehensive income:
                               
Temporary impairment related to auction-rate securities, net of $1.2 million and $3.1 million of tax, respectively
    (1,893 )           (5,033 )      
Unrealized (loss) on investments, net of tax
    (3 )     (420 )     (317 )     (238 )
 
Reclassification adjustment for (gain) loss realized in net income related to the sale of available-for-sale securities, net of tax
    1       129       (51 )     261  
Foreign currency translation adjustment
    (1,347 )     3,141       (3,973 )     7,644  
 
                       
Other comprehensive (loss) income:
    (3,242 )     2,850       (9,374 )     7,667  
 
                       
Total comprehensive income
  $ 56,589     $ 84,194     $ 94,352     $ 167,781  
 
                       
8. Share-Based Compensation
The Company accounts for share-based compensation under the provisions of SFAS No. 123 (revised 2004), Share-Based Payment (“SFAS No. 123(R)”), which requires companies to measure and recognize compensation expense for all share-based payments at fair value. In accordance with the provisions of SFAS No. 123(R), the Company recognizes compensation expense for stock option awards and time-based restricted stock awards on a straight-line basis over the requisite service period of the award (or to an employee’s eligible retirement date, if earlier). Performance-based restricted stock awards are recognized as compensation expense based on the fair value of the Company’s common stock on the date of grant, the number of shares ultimately expected to vest and the vesting period.
 
Total share-based compensation expense included in the Consolidated Statements of Operations for the 13 weeks and 26 weeks ended August 2, 2008 was $4.0 million ($2.5 million, net of tax) and $12.9 million ($8.0 million, net of tax), respectively, and for the 13 and 26 weeks ended August 4, 2007, was $7.2 million ($4.4 million, net of tax) and $19.7 million ($12.1 million, net of tax), respectively.

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Stock Option Grants
A summary of the Company’s stock option activity for the 26 weeks ended August 2, 2008 follows:
                                 
    26 Weeks Ended
    August 2, 2008 (1)
                    Weighted-Average    
                    Remaining   Aggregate
            Weighted-Average   Contractual   Intrinsic Value
    Options   Exercise Price   Term (in years)   (in thousands)
Outstanding — February 2, 2008
    12,915,576     $ 14.41                  
Granted
    3,424,838     $ 21.19                  
Exercised (2)
    170,444     $ 10.11                  
Cancelled
    444,754     $ 23.51                  
     
Outstanding — August 2, 2008
    15,725,216     $ 15.67       4.6     $ 48,252  
     
Vested and expected to vest — August 2, 2008
    15,256,353     $ 15.46       4.5     $ 48,153  
     
Exercisable — August 2, 2008
    6,986,012     $ 7.07       3.1     $ 47,524  
 
(1)   As of August 2, 2008, the Company had approximately 4.6 million shares available for stock option grants.
 
(2)   Options exercised during the 26 weeks ended August 2, 2008 had exercise prices ranging from $1.98 to $19.74.
The weighted-average grant date fair value of stock options granted during the 26 weeks ended August 2, 2008 and August 4, 2007 was $7.19 and $10.68, respectively. The aggregate intrinsic value of options exercised during the 26 weeks ended August 2, 2008 and August 4, 2007 was $1.4 million and $20.8 million, respectively.
Cash received from the exercise of stock options was $1.6 million for the 26 weeks ended August 2, 2008 and $11.7 million for the 26 weeks ended August 4, 2007. The actual tax benefit realized from stock option exercises totaled $0.2 million for the 26 weeks ended August 2, 2008 and $6.9 million for the 26 weeks ended August 4, 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:
                 
    26 Weeks Ended
    August 2,   August 4,
Black-Scholes Option Valuation Assumptions   2008   2007
Risk-free interest rate (1)
    2.5 %     4.5 %
Dividend yield
    1.7 %     0.9 %
Volatility factor (2)
    44.4 %     39.2 %
Weighted-average expected term (3)
  4.3 years   4.4 years
Expected forfeiture rate (4)
    8.0 %     8.0 %
 
(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 26 weeks ended August 2, 2008 was determined based on historical experience. The weighted averaged expected option term for the 26 weeks ended August 4, 2007 was determined using a combination of the “simplified method” for plain vanilla options as allowed by Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 107, Share-Based Payments (“SAB No. 107”), and past behavior. The “simplified method” calculates the expected term as the average of the vesting term and original contractual term of the options.
 
(4)   Based upon historical experience.
As of August 2, 2008, there was $29.8 million of unrecognized compensation expense related to nonvested stock option awards that is expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of 2.1 years.

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Restricted Stock Grants
The Company grants both time-based and performance-based restricted stock awards under its 2005 Plan. The time-based restricted stock awards vest over three years, and performance-based restricted stock awards are earned if certain pre-established goals are met. The grant date fair value of the restricted stock awards is based on the closing market price of the Company’s common stock on the date of grant. A summary of the Company’s restricted stock activity is presented in the following tables.
                 
    26 Weeks Ended  
    August 2, 2008  
            Weighted-  
            Average Grant  
Time-Based Restricted Stock   Shares     Date Fair Value  
Nonvested — February 2, 2008
    74,500     $ 19.97  
Granted
           
Vested
    (15,000 )   $ 19.60  
Cancelled
           
     
Nonvested — August 2, 2008
    59,500     $ 20.06  
                 
    26 Weeks Ended  
    August 2, 2008  
            Weighted-  
            Average Grant  
Performance-Based Restricted Stock   Shares     Date Fair Value  
Nonvested — February 2, 2008
    612,575     $ 29.73  
Granted
    878,415     $ 21.24  
Vested
    (433,983 )   $ 29.72  
Cancelled
    (198,285 )   $ 28.90  
     
Nonvested — August 2, 2008
    858,722     $ 21.24  
As of August 2, 2008, there was $0.4 million of unrecognized compensation expense related to nonvested restricted stock awards that is expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of nine months.
9. Income Taxes
The provision for income taxes is based on the current estimate of the annual effective rate and is adjusted as necessary for quarterly events. The effective income tax rate based on actual operating results for the 13 weeks ended August 2, 2008 was 35.9% compared to 38.1% for the 13 weeks ended August 4, 2007. The effective income tax rate based on actual operating results for the 26 weeks ended August 2, 2008 was 36.9% compared to 38.1% for the 26 weeks ended August 4, 2007. The lower effective income tax rate during Fiscal 2008 is primarily the result of state income tax settlements and other changes in income tax reserves.
The Company records accrued interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits in income tax expense.
The Company recognizes income tax liabilities related to unrecognized tax benefits in accordance with FIN 48 and adjust these liabilities when its judgment changes as the result of the evaluation of new information not previously available. There were no material adjustments to its recorded liability for unrecognized tax benefits during the 13 weeks ended August 2, 2008. Over the next twelve months the Company believes that it is reasonably possible that the liability for unrecognized tax benefits may decrease by approximately $12 million due to settlements, expiration of the statute of limitations, or other changes in unrecognized tax benefits.
Due to the completion of the second phase of its Ottawa, Kansas distribution center in 2007, the Company remains eligible for approximately $3.3 million (net of federal taxes) of nonrefundable incentive tax credits in Kansas. These credits can be utilized to offset future Kansas income taxes and will expire in 2017 and 2018. Due to the contingencies related to the future use of the credits, a valuation allowance of $3.3 million (net of federal taxes) remains as of August 2, 2008.
10. Legal Proceedings
The Company is subject to certain legal proceedings and claims arising out of the conduct of its business. In accordance with SFAS No. 5, Accounting for Contingencies, management records a reserve for estimated losses when the loss is probable and the amount can be reasonably estimated. If a range of possible loss exists and no anticipated loss within the range is more likely than any other anticipated loss, the Company records the accrual at the low end of the range, in accordance with FASB

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Interpretation No. 14, Reasonable Estimation of the Amount of a Loss — an interpretation of FASB Statement No. 5. As the Company believes that it has provided adequate reserves, it anticipates that the ultimate outcome of any matter currently pending against the Company will not materially affect the consolidated financial position or results of operations of the Company.

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Review by Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
Ernst & Young LLP, our independent registered public accounting firm, has performed a limited review of the unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements for the 13 week and 26 week periods ended August 2, 2008 and August 4, 2007, as indicated in their report on the limited review included below. Since they did not perform an audit, they express no opinion on the Consolidated Financial Statements referred to above.
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
The Board of Directors and Stockholders
American Eagle Outfitters, Inc.
We have reviewed the consolidated balance sheets of American Eagle Outfitters, Inc. (the Company) as of August 2, 2008 and August 4, 2007, and the related consolidated statements of operations and retained earnings for the three and six months ended August 2, 2008 and August 4, 2007 and the consolidated statements of cash flows for the six month periods ended August 2, 2008 and August 4, 2007. These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management.
We conducted our review in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). A review of interim financial information consists principally of applying analytical procedures and making inquiries of persons responsible for financial and accounting matters. It is substantially less in scope than an audit conducted in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board, the objective of which is the expression of an opinion regarding the financial statements taken as a whole. Accordingly, we do not express such an opinion.
Based on our reviews, we are not aware of any material modifications that should be made to the consolidated financial statements referred to above for them to be in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles.
We have previously audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the consolidated balance sheet of American Eagle Outfitters, Inc. as of February 2, 2008, and the related consolidated statements of operations, comprehensive income, stockholders’ equity, and cash flows for the year then ended not presented herein, and in our report dated March 26, 2008, we expressed an unqualified opinion on those consolidated financial statements and included an explanatory paragraph regarding the Company’s adoption of FASB Interpretation No. 48, “Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes, an interpretation of FASB Statement No. 109,” effective February 4, 2007. In our opinion, the information set forth in the accompanying consolidated balance sheet as of February 2, 2008, is fairly stated, in all material respects, in relation to the consolidated balance sheet from which it has been derived.
/s/ Ernst & Young LLP
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
September 3, 2008

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ITEM 2.   MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS.
The following discussion and analysis of financial condition and results of operations should be read in conjunction with our Fiscal 2007 Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations which can be found in our Fiscal 2007 Annual Report on Form 10-K.
In addition, the following discussion and analysis of financial condition and results of operations are based upon our Consolidated Financial Statements and should be read in conjunction with these statements and notes thereto.
This report contains various “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, which represent our expectations or beliefs concerning future events, including the following:
    the planned opening of 36 American Eagle stores in the United States and Canada, 77 aerie stand-alone stores and approximately 10 MARTIN + OSA stores in the United States during Fiscal 2008;
 
    the planned opening of 37 American Eagle stores and 50 to 60 aerie stores in the United States and Canada during Fiscal 2009;
 
    the selection of approximately 31 American Eagle stores in the United States and Canada for remodeling during Fiscal 2008;
 
    the selection of approximately 35 American Eagle stores in the United States and Canada for remodeling during Fiscal 2009;
 
    the online launch of our new children’s apparel brand, 77kids by american eagle, during Fiscal 2008 with the opening of U.S. stores planned for 2010;
 
    the completion of improvements and expansion at our distribution centers;
 
    the success of MARTIN + OSA and martinandosa.com;
 
    the success of aerie by american eagle and aerie.com;
 
    the expected payment of a dividend in future periods;
 
    the possibility of growth through acquisitions and/or internally developing additional new brands; and
 
    the possibility that future auctions of our ARS holdings will not be successful and that we may be required to take additional temporary or other-than-temporary impairment charges relating to our ARS investments.
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 Item 1A of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q and Item 1A of our Fiscal 2007 Annual Report on Form 10-K. Accordingly, our future performance and financial results may differ materially from those expressed or implied in any such forward-looking statements.
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.
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.

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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; 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 and our ability to control selling, general and administrative expenses.
 
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
During the 13 weeks ended August 2, 2008 (“the second quarter”), a challenging retail climate contributed to lower traffic and transactions. Additionally, the American Eagle women’s business has experienced difficult performance. As a result, total sales declined 2% to $688.8 million for the second quarter, compared to $703.2 million in the prior year. The decline in net sales was driven by second quarter comparable store sales decreasing 9%, compared to a 2% increase last year. Men’s comparable store sales increased 2% as compared to last year while women’s decreased 16% as compared to last year.
Our operating margin was 13.0% in the second quarter, compared to 17.4% for the 13 weeks ended August 4, 2007. The decrease was largely due to the 9% decline in comparable store sales.
Net income for the second quarter decreased 26% to $59.8 million, or 8.7% as a percent of net sales. Net income per diluted common share also decreased 22% to $0.29 versus $0.37 last year.
We ended the second quarter with $689.0 million in cash and cash equivalents, short-term and long-term investments. During the period, we continued to make significant investments in our business, including $83.9 million in capital expenditures. These expenditures related primarily to new and remodeled stores in the U.S. and Canada, as well as headquarters and distribution center projects.

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The following table shows the percentage relationship to net sales of the listed line items included in our Consolidated Statements of Operations.
                                 
    13 Weeks Ended   26 Weeks Ended
    August 2,   August 4,   August 2,   August 4,
    2008   2007   2008   2007
Net sales
    100.0 %     100.0 %     100.0 %     100.0 %
Cost of sales, including certain buying, occupancy and warehousing expenses
    58.0       55.0       58.4       53.3  
 
                               
Gross profit
    42.0       45.0       41.6       46.7  
Selling, general and administrative expenses
    24.4       23.7       25.4       24.5  
Depreciation and amortization expense
    4.6       3.9       4.6       4.0  
 
                               
Operating income
    13.0       17.4       11.6       18.2  
Other income, net
    0.6       1.3       0.8       1.5  
 
                               
Income before income taxes
    13.6       18.7       12.4       19.7  
Provision for income taxes
    4.9       7.1       4.6       7.5  
 
                               
Net Income
    8.7 %     11.6 %     7.8 %     12.2 %
 
                               
The following table shows our consolidated store data for the 26 weeks ended August 2, 2008 and August 4, 2007.
                 
    26 Weeks Ended
    August 2,   August 4,
    2008   2007
Number of stores:
               
Beginning of period
    987       911  
Opened
    70       20  
Closed
    (3 )     (3 )
 
               
End of Period
    1,054       928  
 
               
 
               
Total gross square feet at end of period
    6,092,855       5,350,468  
 
               
Our operations are conducted in one reportable segment which includes 951 U.S. and Canadian AE retail stores, 81 aerie stand-alone retail stores, AEO Direct and 22 MARTIN + OSA retail stores.
Comparison of the 13 weeks ended August 2, 2008 to the 13 weeks ended August 4, 2007
Net Sales
Net sales for the 13 weeks ended August 2, 2008 decreased 2% to $688.8 million compared to $703.2 million for the 13 weeks ended August 4, 2007. The decline in net sales was a result of a decline in traffic and lower transactions per store, which led to second quarter comparable store sales decreasing 9%, compared to a 2% increase last year. American Eagle Brand men’s comparable store sales increased 2% as compared to last year while women’s decreased 16% as compared to last year.
Gross Profit
Gross profit for the second quarter was $289.4 million, or 42.0% as a percent to net sales, compared to $316.4 million, or 45.0% as a percent to net sales last year. The gross profit decline was primarily due to higher promotional costs associated with our denim “try-on” event. Additionally, design and production expenses increased as a rate to net sales during the quarter. These items were partially offset by lower markdowns and a slight improvement in initial markup (“IMU”). There was $1.3 million of share-based payment expense included in gross profit for the period compared to $1.4 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 and others may exclude a portion of these costs from cost of sales, including them in a line item such as selling, general and administrative expenses. See Note 2 of the Consolidated Financial

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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 approximately 1% to $167.9 million from $166.4 million last year, and increased by 70 basis points, as a percent to net sales, to 24.4% from 23.7% last year. The higher rate is primarily due to the negative comparable store sales. Advertising expense increased 40 basis points due to planned marketing events. Nearly all other operating expenses were flat compared to last year, as a rate to net sales. There was $2.7 million of share-based payment expense included in selling, general and administrative expenses compared to $5.8 million last year.
Depreciation and Amortization Expense
Depreciation and amortization expense as a percent to net sales increased to 4.6% for the second quarter compared to 3.9% for the corresponding period last year. Depreciation and amortization expense increased to $32.1 million compared to $27.4 million last year. These increases are primarily due to a greater property and equipment base driven by our level of capital expenditures related to new stores, distribution centers, and our corporate headquarters.
Other Income, Net
Other income, net decreased to $4.0 million from $8.8 million compared to last year primarily due to lower interest income as a result of lower investment balances, lower interest rates and increased interest expense relating to our demand line borrowings.
Provision for Income Taxes
The effective income tax rate for the 13 weeks ended August 2, 2008 was 35.9% compared to 38.1% for the 13 weeks ended August 4, 2007. The lower effective income tax rate during Fiscal 2008 is primarily the result of state income tax settlements and other changes in income tax reserves.
Net Income
Net income decreased approximately 26% to $59.8 million, or 8.7% as a percent to net sales, from $81.3 million, or 11.6% as a percent to net sales last year. Net income per diluted common share decreased to $0.29 from $0.37 in the prior year. The decrease in net income was attributable to the factors noted above.
Comparison of the 26 weeks ended August 2, 2008 to the 26 weeks ended August 4, 2007
Net Sales
Net sales for the 26 weeks ended August 2, 2008 increased 1% to $1.329 billion compared to $1.316 billion for the 26 weeks ended August 4, 2007. Increased net sales were a result of a 14% increase in square footage as well as an increase in sales from our e-commerce operation partially offset by a 7% comparable store sales decline.
Gross Profit
Gross profit decreased approximately 10% to $553.1 million from $614.9 million last year. As a percent to net sales, gross margin declined 510 basis points to a rate of 41.6% compared to 46.7% last year. The primary cause of the reduced margin was increased markdowns as a result of lower than expected sales. In addition, rent increased as a percent to net sales due to new store openings. There was $2.8 million of share-based payment expense included in gross profit for the period compared to $3.3 million last year.
Selling, General and Administrative Expenses
Selling, general and administrative expenses increased approximately 4% to $337.5 million from $323.4 million last year, and increased by 90 basis points, as a percent to net sales, to 25.4% from 24.5% last year. The higher rate is primarily due to the comparable store sales decline. Other factors include increases in direct compensation and benefits, which were partially offset by reductions in incentive compensation, as a percent to net sales. There was $10.1 million of share-based payment expense included in selling, general and administrative expenses compared to $16.4 million last year.

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Depreciation and Amortization Expense
Depreciation and amortization expense as a percent to net sales increased to 4.6% for the 26 weeks ended August 2, 2008 compared to 4.0% for the corresponding period last year. Depreciation and amortization expense increased to $61.6 million compared to $52.9 million last year. These increases are primarily due to a greater property and equipment base driven by our level of capital expenditures related to new stores, distribution centers, and our corporate headquarters.
Other Income, Net
Other income, net decreased to $10.4 million from $20.1 million primarily due to lower interest income as a result of lower investment balances, lower interest rates and increased interest expense relating to our demand line borrowings.
Provision for Income Taxes
The effective income tax rate for the 26 weeks ended August 2, 2008 was 36.9% compared to 38.1% for the 26 weeks ended August 4, 2007. The lower effective income tax rate during Fiscal 2008 is primarily the result of state income tax settlements and other changes in income tax reserves.
Net Income
Net income decreased approximately 35% to $103.7 million, or 7.8% as a percent to net sales, from $160.1 million, or 12.2% as a percent to net sales last year. Net income per diluted common share decreased to $0.50 from $0.71 in the prior year. The decrease in net income was attributable to the factors noted above.
Income Taxes
Effective February 4, 2007, we adopted FIN 48. As a result of adopting FIN 48, we recorded a net liability of approximately $13.3 million for unrecognized tax benefits, which was accounted for as a reduction to the beginning balance of retained earnings as of February 4, 2007.
There were no material adjustments to our recorded liability for unrecognized tax benefits during the 13 weeks ended August 2, 2008. Over the next twelve months we believe that it is reasonably possible that the liability for unrecognized tax benefits may decrease by approximately $12 million due to settlements, expiration of the statute of limitations, or other changes in unrecognized tax benefits.
Due to the completion of the second phase of our Ottawa, Kansas distribution center in 2007, we remain eligible for approximately $3.3 million (net of federal taxes) of nonrefundable incentive tax credits in Kansas. These credits can be utilized to offset future Kansas income taxes and will expire in 2017 and 2018. Due to the contingencies related to the future use of the credits, a valuation allowance of $3.3 million (net of federal taxes) remains as of August 2, 2008.
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. Additionally, our uses of cash include the construction of our new corporate headquarters and the expansion of MARTIN + OSA and aerie by American Eagle. In the future, we expect that our uses of cash will also include new brand concept development, including the development of 77kids by american eagle. Our growth strategy includes internally developing new brands and the possibility of acquisitions. We periodically consider and evaluate these options to support future growth. In the event that 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.

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The following sets forth certain measures of our liquidity:
                         
    August 2,   February 2,   August 4,
    2008   2008   2007
Working Capital (in 000’s)
  $ 473,619     $ 644,656     $ 760,322  
Current Ratio
    2.23       2.71       3.43  
The decrease in working capital as of August 2, 2008 compared to February 2, 2008 and August 4, 2007 is primarily related to the reduction in short-term investments and an increase in borrowings.
Cash Flows from Operating Activities
Net cash provided by operating activities totaled $38.9 million for the 26 weeks ended August 2, 2008. Our major source of cash from operations was merchandise sales. Our primary outflows of cash for operations were for the payment of operational costs and the purchase of inventory.
Cash Flows from Investing Activities
Investing activities for the 26 weeks ended August 2, 2008 included $325.0 million from the net sale of investments classified as available-for-sale, partially offset by $157.5 million used for capital expenditures.
Cash Flows from Financing Activities
Cash provided by financing activities primarily included proceeds from a $75.0 million borrowing against our demand facilities, partially offset by $40.9 million used for the payment of dividends.
Auction-rate Securities
As discussed in Note 4 to the Consolidated Financial Statements, we adopted the provisions of SFAS No. 157 effective February 3, 2008. We have determined that we utilize observable inputs (Level 2) and unobservable inputs (Level 3) in determining the fair value of our ARS portfolio.
As of August 2, 2008, we had a total of $689.0 million in cash and cash equivalents, short-term and long-term investments, which included $332.6 million of investments in ARS, excluding $2.0 million of accrued interest and $8.2 million of temporary impairment. For the 26 weeks ending August 2, 2008, we experienced failed auctions for 49 ARS issues representing principal and accrued interest in the amount of $323.3 million. For the 26 weeks ended August 2, 2008, we have also sold 33 ARS issues at par plus accrued interest for $84.9 million. These amounts are net of $8.2 million of unrealized losses for the six month period ended August 2, 2008 which were recognized through other comprehensive income (“OCI”).
We consider the decline in the fair value of our investments temporary, resulting from the current lack of liquidity relating to these investments. We believe that the current lack of liquidity relating to ARS investments will have no impact on our ability to fund our ongoing operations and growth initiatives.
Based on our belief that our ARS investments can be liquidated through successful auctions or redemptions at par plus accrued interest, and on our ability and intent to hold these investments until such liquidation, we believe that the current illiquidity and impairment of these investments is temporary. However, we will reassess this conclusion in future reporting periods based on several factors, including the nature of the assets underlying the ARS, the success or failure of future auctions, the credit-worthiness of the underlying issuer, any third-party insurance or guaranty provisions, ability to sell in secondary markets and other factors. If it is determined that the fair value of these securities is other-than-temporarily impaired, we would record a loss in our Consolidated Statements of Operations, which could materially adversely impact our Consolidated Results of Operations and financial condition.
As a result of several states’ Attorney General’s actions, during mid-August 2008, several large financial institutions/broker dealers announced that they will purchase auction-rate securities from their clients at par value, beginning in September 2008 through June 2010. Prior to this announcement, these securities had experienced failed auctions and were illiquid. While these purchases are intended to restore liquidity to the ARS market, at this time we cannot determine if any of our ARS investments will be included in the announced purchases. As a result, we have not considered any of these announcements in the valuation of our ARS at August 2, 2008.

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See Note 4 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information regarding the fair value measurement of our ARS.
Credit Facilities
We have borrowing agreements with three separate financial institutions under which we may borrow an aggregate of $300.0 million. Of this amount, $100.0 million can be used for letter of credit facilities and $100.0 million can be used for demand line borrowings. The remaining $100.0 million can be used for either letters of credit or demand line borrowings at our discretion. As of August 2, 2008, we have outstanding letters of credit of $75.2 million and demand line borrowings of $75.0 million. The average borrowing rate on the demand lines is 3.25% and we have incorporated the demand line proceeds with our working capital.
Capital Expenditures
Capital expenditures of $157.5 million for the 26 weeks ended August 2, 2008 included $78.5 million related to investments in our AE stores, including 70 new AE, aerie, and M+O stores in the United States and Canada, 23 remodeled stores in the United States, and fixtures and visual investments. The remaining capital expenditures were primarily related to the expanding of our distribution centers, continued construction of our home office campus, and our information technology infrastructure, including the roll-out of our new point-of-sale system.
We expect capital expenditures for Fiscal 2008 to be in the range of approximately $250 million to $275 million. These expenditures will relate primarily to approximately 77 new aerie stand-alone stores, 36 new and 31 remodeled American Eagle stores in the United States and Canada, approximately 10 new MARTIN + OSA stores, information technology upgrades, the construction of the second phase of our new corporate headquarters, and distribution center expansion/improvement, including the completion of the second phase of our Ottawa, Kansas distribution center expansion. We plan to fund these capital expenditures through existing cash and cash generated from operations.
For Fiscal 2009, we expect capital expenditures to be in the range of approximately $150 to $175 million with approximately two-thirds of the amount relating to store growth and renovation. This includes 37 new and 35 remodeled AE stores and 50 to 60 new aerie stores. At this time, our 2009 capital expenditures projection does not include new M+O stores.
 
Stock Repurchases
During Fiscal 2007, our Board authorized a total of 60.0 million shares of 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 programs for approximately $438.3 million, at a weighted average price of $23.38 per share. Of this amount, 6.5 million shares were purchased during the 26 weeks ended August 4, 2007 for $184.8 million, at a weighted average share price of $28.41. We did not repurchase any shares as part of our publicly announced repurchase programs during the 26 weeks ended August 2, 2008. As of August 2, 2008, we had 41.3 million shares remaining authorized for repurchase. These shares may be repurchased at our discretion. Of the 41.3 million shares that may yet be purchased under the program, the authorization relating to 11.3 million shares expires in Fiscal 2009 and the authorization relating to 30.0 million shares expires in Fiscal 2010.
During the 26 week periods ended August 2, 2008 and August 4, 2007, we repurchased approximately 0.2 million and 0.4 million shares, respectively, from certain employees at market prices totaling approximately $3.4 million and $12.2 million, respectively. These shares were repurchased for the payment of taxes in connection with the vesting of share-based payments, as permitted under the 2005 Plan.
 
All of the aforementioned share repurchases have been recorded as treasury stock.
Dividends
During the second quarter of Fiscal 2008, our Board declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.10 per share, which was paid on July 25, 2008. The payment of future dividends is at the discretion of our Board and is based on earnings, cash flow, financial condition, capital requirements, changes in U.S. taxation and other relevant factors. It is anticipated that any future dividends paid would be declared on a quarterly basis.
Critical Accounting Policies
Our critical accounting policies are described in Item 7, Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations, and in the notes to our Consolidated Financial Statements for the year ended February 2, 2008 contained in our Fiscal 2007 Annual Report on Form 10-K. Any new accounting policies or updates to existing accounting

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policies as a result of new accounting pronouncements have been discussed in the notes to our Consolidated Financial Statements in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q. The application of our critical accounting policies may require management to make judgments and estimates about the amounts reflected in the Consolidated Financial Statements. Management uses historical experience and all available information to make these estimates and judgments, and different amounts could be reported using different assumptions and estimates.
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 3. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK.
There were no material changes in our exposure to market risk from February 2, 2008. Our market risk profile as of February 2, 2008 is disclosed in Item 7A, Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk, of our Fiscal 2007 Annual Report on Form 10-K.
ITEM 4. 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 Securities and Exchange Commission’s rules and forms, and that such information is accumulated and communicated to our 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 Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, as of August 2, 2008, 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 Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q.
Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting
There were no changes in our internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the 13 weeks ended August 2, 2008 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

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PART II
ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS.
In addition to the updated risk factor below, risk factors that affect our business and financial results are discussed within Item 1A of our Fiscal 2007 Annual Report on Form 10-K.
The effect of competitive pressures from other retailers and other business factors
The specialty retail industry is highly competitive. We compete primarily on the basis of quality, fashion, service, selection and price. There can be no assurance that we will be able to successfully compete in the future.
The success of our operations also depends to a significant extent upon a number of factors relating to discretionary consumer spending, including economic conditions affecting disposable consumer income such as employment, consumer debt, interest rates, increases in energy costs and consumer confidence. There can be no assurance that consumer spending will not be negatively affected by general or local economic conditions, thereby adversely impacting our continued growth and results of operations.
Our ability to develop the MARTIN + OSA brand
During the remainder of Fiscal 2008, we plan to continue our investment in MARTIN + OSA. Our strategy includes a targeted marketing plan to drive traffic and brand awareness in several key markets; repositioning the brand by establishing MARTIN + OSA as a destination for sweaters, knits, and denim; and refining our merchandise collection, styles and prices. In light of this strategy, we will continue to evaluate the growth and performance of MARTIN + OSA. There can be no assurance that our strategy will be successful or lead to long-term growth or profitability. If we are unable to succeed in repositioning the brand, this will adversely impact our continued growth and results of operations.
ITEM 2. UNREGISTERED SALES OF EQUITY SECURITIES AND USE OF PROCEEDS.
Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities
The following table provides information regarding our repurchases of our common stock during the 13 weeks ended August 2, 2008.
                                 
                    Total Number of     Maximum Number of  
    Total     Average     Shares Purchased as     Shares that May  
    Number of     Price Paid     Part of Publicly     Yet Be Purchased  
Period   Shares Purchased     Per Share     Announced Programs     Under the Program  
    (1)     (2)     (1)     (1) (3)  
Month #1 (May 3, 2008 through May 31, 2008)
    1,530     $ 17.63             41,250,000  
Month #2 (June 1, 2008 through July 2, 2008)
    1,299     $ 13.48             41,250,000  
Month #3 (July 3, 2008 through August 2, 2008)
        $             41,250,000  
 
                       
Total
    2,829     $ 15.72             41,250,000  
 
                       
 
(1)   Shares purchased during Month #1 and #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 expires in Fiscal 2009 and the authorization relating to 30.0 million shares expires in Fiscal 2010.

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ITEM 4. SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS.
(a) We held our 2008 Annual Meeting of Stockholders on June 24, 2008. Holders of 168,433,310 shares of our common stock were present in person or by proxy, representing approximately 82% of our 205,797,609 shares outstanding on the record date.
(b) and (c) The following persons were elected as Class I directors of the Board of Directors to serve a three year term until the annual meeting in 2011 or until their successors are duly elected and qualified. Each person received the number of votes for or the number of votes with authority withheld indicated below:
                         
Name   Shares For   Shares Against   Shares Withheld
Michael G. Jesselson
    156,261,941       11,996,706       174,663  
Roger S. Markfield
    157,825,267       10,446,065       161,977  
Jay L. Schottenstein
    154,048,558       14,239,866       144,886  
The following persons continue to serve as Class II directors: Janice E. Page, J. Thomas Presby, and Gerald E. Wedren. The following persons continue to serve as Class III directors: Jon P. Diamond, Alan T. Kane, Cary D. McMillan, James V. O’Donnell.
The proposal to ratify the appointment of Ernst & Young LLP as our independent registered public accounting firm passed. It received 167,533,644 shares for, 746,658 shares against and 153,008 shares abstain.
(d) Not applicable.

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ITEM 6. EXHIBITS.
     
* Exhibit 15
  Acknowledgement of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
 
   
* Exhibit 31.1
  Certification by James V. O’Donnell pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) or Rule 15d-14(a)
 
   
* Exhibit 31.2
  Certification by Joan Holstein Hilson pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) or Rule 15d-14(a)
 
   
**Exhibit 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
 
   
**Exhibit 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
 
*   Filed with this report.
 
**   Furnished with this report.

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SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.
Dated: September 8, 2008
         
  American Eagle Outfitters, Inc.
(Registrant)
 
 
  By:   /s/ James V. O’Donnell    
    James V. O’Donnell   
    Chief Executive Officer
(Principal Executive Officer) 
 
 
     
  By:   /s/ Joan Holstein Hilson    
    Joan Holstein Hilson   
    Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, AE Brand
(Principal Financial Officer and Principal Accounting Officer) 
 
 

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