EXHIBIT 99.1
NEWS RELEASE
AMERICAN EAGLE
OUTFITTERS
Reports Record August Sales of $236.9 Million, an Increase of 18.7%
Same Store Sales Increased 11.8%
Warrendale, PA, August 31, 2005 -- American Eagle Outfitters, Inc. (NASDAQ: AEOS) today announced that total sales for the month ended August 27, 2005 increased 18.7% to a record $236.9 million, compared to $199.6 million for the month ended August 28, 2004. Comparable store sales increased 11.8% for the August period.
Total sales for the year-to-date thirty-week period ended August 27, 2005 increased 29.9% to $1.2 billion, compared to $927.3 million for the thirty-week period ended August 28, 2004. Comparable store sales increased 21.2% for the year-to-date period.
The company is reiterating its third quarter earnings guidance of $0.45 to $0.46 per share, which compares to earnings per share of $0.39, from continuing operations in the third quarter of last year. To access our recorded monthly sales commentary, please call 800-642-1687, conference code #3282124.
American Eagle Outfitters (NASDAQ: AEOS) is a leading lifestyle retailer that designs, markets, and sells its own brand of relaxed, casual clothing for 15 to 25 year olds, providing high-quality merchandise at affordable prices. AE's collection includes modern basics like jeans, cargo pants, and graphic Ts as well as a stylish assortment of cool accessories, outerwear and footwear. American Eagle Outfitters currently operates 784 AE stores in 50 states, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico, and 71 AE stores in Canada. AE also operates via its Web business, www.ae.com, which offers additional sizes and styles of favorite AE merchandise.
"Safe Harbor" Statement under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995: This release contains forward-looking statements, which represent our expectations or beliefs concerning future events, specifically regarding third quarter earnings. All forward-looking statements made by the Company involve material risks and uncertainties and are subject to change based on factors beyond the Company's control. Such factors include, but are not limited to the risk that our fall assortments are not well received, and as a result, our third quarter sales, markdowns and/or earnings expectations may not be achieved, and those other risks described in the Company's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Accordingly, the Company's future performance and financial results may differ materially from those expressed or implied in any such forward-looking statements. The Company does not undertake to publicly update or revise its forward-looking statements even if future changes make i t clear that projected results expressed or implied will not be realized.
Company Contact:
Judy Meehan
724-776-4857
