PITTSBURGH--(BUSINESS WIRE)--American Eagle Outfitters, Inc. (NYSE: AEO) today reported EPS of ($0.08) for the 13 weeks ended August 1, 2020. This compared to $0.38 for the 13 weeks ended August 3, 2019. Adjusted EPS of ($0.03) this year excluded $0.05 of COVID-19 related expenses and restructuring charges and compared to adjusted EPS of $0.39 last year, which excluded $0.01 of restructuring costs.

Jay Schottenstein, AEO’s Chairman and Chief Executive Officer commented, “In the midst of an unprecedented crisis, we delivered a significant improvement from the first quarter throughout our business – a true testament to the agility, talent and commitment of our team. Aerie was simply outstanding, fueled by strong demand, with revenue rising 32% and record margins, demonstrating the power of the brand and signaling the vast opportunity ahead. Across brands, digital sales accelerated and we successfully reopened stores during the quarter.”

“Throughout this event, we operated with strong disciplines, reduced expenses, cut inventories and carefully managed liquidity. We controlled what we could, and generated positive free cash flow, strengthening our balance sheet. Inventories are in good shape and I believe we are very well-positioned for the second half of the year. We will remain focused on managing through the near term and preparing for a new future as we accelerate strategies to transform our business and emerge with strength.”

Adjusted amounts represent Non-GAAP results, as described in the accompanying GAAP to Non-GAAP reconciliations.

Second Quarter 2020 Results

• Total net revenue for the 13 weeks ended August 1, 2020 decreased $157 million, or 15% to $884 million, compared to $1.04 billion for the 13 weeks ended August 3, 2019. The decline to last year largely reflected store closures during the second quarter. Revenue in the year-ago period also included $40 million from Japanese license royalties.
• By brand, American Eagle revenue decreased 26%, following a 1% decline last year. Aerie’s revenue increased 32%, following a 22% increase last year.
• The company’s second quarter digital demand, as measured by ordered sales, increased 48%. Aerie digital demand rose 113% and AE increased 21%. AEO’s digital reported revenue increased 74%, reflecting the strong demand and a timing benefit related to the reversal of temporary fulfillment delays from the first quarter. Aerie digital revenue rose 142% and AE increased 47%.
• Gross profit of $265 million compared to $383 million last year. The year-ago gross profit included an approximately $38 million benefit from Japanese license royalties. The decline to last year also reflected a reduction in store revenue and higher delivery and distribution center costs, primarily due to a strong digital business and higher cost per shipment. This was partly offset by lower rent expense and an increase in mark-up. As a rate to revenue, gross margin of 30.0% compared to 36.7% last year.
• Selling, general and administrative expense of $224 million decreased $29 million from $253 million last year, primarily reflecting lower operating expenses due to store closures and disciplined cost controls.
• Depreciation and amortization expense of $39 million decreased $6 million from $45 million last year, due to asset impairments taken in recent quarters, as well as lower capital spending.
• Operating loss of $12 million compared to income of $82 million last year. Adjusted operating income of $2 million this year excluded $15 million of COVID-19 related expenses and restructuring charges and compared to adjusted operating income of $85 million last year, which excluded $3 million of restructuring charges. GAAP and adjusted operating income in the year-ago period included a $34 million benefit from Japanese license royalties.
• Net interest expense of $9 million compared to net interest income of $2 million last year, reflecting interest expense associated with convertible notes and borrowings under the revolving credit facility this year.
• EPS of ($0.08) compared to EPS of $0.38 last year. Adjusted EPS of ($0.03) excluded $0.05 of COVID-19 related expenses and restructuring costs and compared to adjusted EPS of $0.39 last year, which excluded $0.01 of restructuring costs.

Restructuring and COVID-19 Related Charges

In the second quarter of 2020, the company incurred incremental COVID-19 expenses and restructuring charges of approximately $15 million pre-tax, or $0.05 per share after-tax. In the second quarter of 2019, the company incurred restructuring charges of $3 million pre-tax, or $0.01 per share after-tax.

Inventory

Total ending inventory at cost decreased $114 million or 21% to $421 million. AE brand inventory was significantly lower, as inventories were cut due to COVID-19-related store closures and inventory optimization strategies. Aerie inventory increased to support strong demand. In the fall, the company plans to continue inventory optimization initiatives to streamline assortments, provide greater alignment of inventory to sales plans and better utilize supply chain strengths to chase product demand.

Capital Expenditures

In the second quarter of 2020, capital expenditures totaled $27 million. On a year-to-date basis, capital expenditures were $61 million. For fiscal 2020, the company continues to expect capital expenditures to be in the range of $100 to $125 million, prioritizing strategic customer-facing and supply chain investments. This compares to $210 million for the full-year fiscal 2019.

Cash Flow and Balance Sheet

The company generated $173 million in operating cash flow during the second quarter and ended the period with total cash and short-term investments of $899 million, an increase from $317 million last year. The quarter-end cash balance included $406 million in proceeds from the April 2020 convertible notes offering and $200 million in outstanding borrowings from the company’s revolving credit facility. Due to the strong cash flow, the company repaid $130 million in outstanding borrowings from its revolving credit facility during the second quarter. Subsequent to quarter-end, the company repaid the facility’s remaining $200 million outstanding balance.

Shareholder Returns

As previously announced, the company suspended its dividend in June 2020 and at this point does not anticipate declaring a dividend for the rest of this year. The company’s first quarter cash dividend was deferred until 2021 and will be payable on April 23, 2021 to stockholders of record at the close of business on April 9, 2021.

About American Eagle Outfitters, Inc.

American Eagle Outfitters, Inc. (NYSE: AEO) is a leading global specialty retailer offering high-quality, on-trend clothing, accessories and personal care products at affordable prices under its American Eagle® and Aerie® brands. Our purpose is to show the world that there’s REAL power in the optimism of youth. The company operates stores in the United States, Canada, Mexico, and Hong Kong, and ships to 81 countries worldwide through its websites. American Eagle and Aerie merchandise also is available at more than 200 international locations operated by licensees in 25 countries. For more information, please visit www.aeo-inc.com.