American Eagle Outfitters (AEO) 8-K Reports Third Quarter 2011 Results

EXHIBIT 99.1

AMERICAN EAGLE OUTFITTERS

REPORTS THIRD QUARTER 2011 RESULTS

Pittsburgh, November 30, 2011 — American Eagle Outfitters, Inc. (NYSE:AEO) today announced earnings for the third quarter ended October 29, 2011 of $0.27 per diluted share, compared to adjusted income from continuing operations of $0.29 per diluted share last year, which excludes a realized loss from the sale of investment securities of $0.12 per diluted share.

Jim O’Donnell, chief executive officer, said, “I am encouraged by our progress in the third quarter and the continued momentum into the holiday season. Strong top line growth is evidence of the success of our key item strategy and merchandise improvements. Looking ahead to 2012, we have tremendous opportunity to capitalize on the strength of our brands and drive future profitable growth.”

Third Quarter Results — Continuing Operations

Total sales for the quarter increased 11% to $832 million, compared to $752 million last year. Third quarter comparable store sales increased 5%, compared to a 1% increase last year. For additional comparable store sales information for the period, see the accompanying table.

Gross profit was $309 million, or 37.1% as a rate to sales, compared to $312 million, or 41.6% as a rate to sales, last year. While merchandise profit dollars increased slightly due to stronger sales, higher cotton costs and markdowns pressured the merchandise margin, which decreased 480 basis points. Buying, occupancy and warehousing costs improved 30 basis points as a rate to sales, primarily due to top line growth driven by a 5% comparable store sales increase.

Selling, general and administrative expense increased 3% to $191 million due to higher sales, new store openings and a planned investment in advertising, partially offset by continued expense savings. SG&A improved 170 basis points to 22.9% as a rate to sales, compared to 24.6% last year.

Operating income for the quarter was $83 million, compared to $91 million last year.

AEO Direct

In the third quarter, online sales reached a record third quarter high increasing 21% due to increased traffic and conversion. The company’s online business includes ae.com, aerie.com and 77kids.com.

Inventory

Total merchandise inventories at the end of the third quarter were $572 million, an increase of 35% on a cost per foot basis, compared to last year. Units per foot increased 20%, due to the company’s key item strategy and planned expansion of accessory shops to 400 stores for the holiday season. The inventory position also reflects the impact of higher product costs.

Fourth quarter average weekly inventory levels are planned similar to third quarter to support peak holiday shopping periods during November and December. As we look forward to next year, we expect the inventory increase to moderate compared to the back half of 2011.

Capital Expenditures

For the third quarter, capital expenditures were $31 million, compared to $26 million last year. Of the third quarter capital expenditures, approximately $22 million related to new and remodeled stores. The balance of the capital expenditures related to distribution center, information technology and other home office projects. For Fiscal 2011, the company expects capital expenditures to be approximately $100 million, which includes the holiday accessory expansion initiative.

Real Estate

In the third quarter, the company opened six AE and seven aerie stores. In addition, the company remodeled five stores, bringing the year-to-date total to 59. The company continues to expect fiscal 2011 total square footage to increase in the low single-digits. For additional third quarter 2011 actual and fiscal 2011 real estate information, please refer to the accompanying table.

Cash and Investments and Share Repurchases

The company ended the third quarter with total cash and investments of $482 million. During the quarter, 1.4 million shares were repurchased for a total of $15 million.

Fourth Quarter Outlook

Strong sales over Thanksgiving weekend were driven by increased traffic and conversion. Powerful unit sales growth reflected a positive customer response to the holiday assortment and planned promotions.

Regarding fourth quarter earnings, the company expects EPS to be in the range of $0.40 to $0.44 per diluted share. The guidance assumes that sales momentum continues, particularly during peak holiday shopping periods. Additionally, the company expects margin pressure related to higher cotton costs and its planned promotional strategy. For the year, SG&A dollars are expected to increase in the low single-digits.

Conference Call Information

At 9:00 a.m. Eastern Time on November 30, 2011, the company’s management team will host a conference call to review the financial results. To listen to the call, dial 1-877-407-0789 or internationally dial 1-201-689-8562 five to seven minutes prior to the scheduled start time. The conference call will also be simultaneously broadcast over the Internet at www.ae.com. Anyone unable to listen to the call can access a replay beginning November 30, 2011 at 12:00 p.m. Eastern Time through December 21, 2011. To listen to the replay, dial 1-877-870-5176, or internationally dial 1-858-384-5517, and reference confirmation code 372061. An audio replay of the conference call will also be available at www.ae.com.

Non-GAAP Measures

This press release includes information on non-GAAP earnings per diluted share (“non-GAAP” or “adjusted”). This measure is not based on any standardized methodology prescribed by U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”) and is not necessarily comparable to similar measures presented by other companies. The company believes that this non-GAAP information is useful as an additional means for investors to evaluate the company’s operating performance, when reviewed in conjunction with the company’s GAAP financial statements. This amount is not determined in accordance with GAAP and therefore, should not be used exclusively in evaluating the company’s business and operations.

* * * *

American Eagle Outfitters, Inc., through its subsidiaries, (“AEO, Inc.”) offers high-quality, on-trend clothing, accessories and personal care products at affordable prices. The American Eagle Outfitters^® brand targets 15 to 25 year old girls and guys, with 937 stores in the U.S. and Canada and online atwww.ae.com. aerie^® by american eagle offers Dormwear^® and intimates collections for the AE^® girl, with 158 standalone stores in the U.S. and Canada and online atwww.aerie.com. The latest brand, 77kids^® by american eagle^®, is available online at www.77kids.com, as well as at 21 stores across the nation. The 77kids brand offers “kid cool,” durable clothing and accessories for kids ages zero to 14. AE.COM^®, the online home of the brands of AEO, Inc. ships to 77 countries worldwide.

“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 fourth quarter results. All forward-looking statements made by the company involve material risks and uncertainties and are subject to change based on factors beyond the company’s control. Such factors include, but are not limited to the risk that the company’s operating, financial and capital plans may not be achieved and the risks described in the Risk Factor Section of the company’s Form 10-K and Form 10-Q filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Accordingly, the company’s future performance and financial results may differ materially from those expressed or implied in any such forward-looking statements. The company does not undertake to publicly update or revise its forward-looking statements even if future changes make it clear that projected results expressed or implied will not be realized.

CONTACT:  American Eagle Outfitters Inc.

Judy Meehan, 412-432-3300

AMERICAN EAGLE OUTFITTERS, INC.

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

(Dollars in thousands)

	October 29, 2011			January 29, 2011			October 30, 2010
	(unaudited)						(unaudited)
ASSETS
Cash and cash equivalents	$	380,284		$	667,593		$	630,775
Short-term investments		101,036			67,102			3,700
Merchandise inventory		571,751			301,208			409,509
Accounts receivable		41,138			36,721			40,346
Prepaid expenses and other		64,378			53,727			52,757
Deferred income taxes		47,254			48,059			50,910
Total current assets		1,205,841			1,174,410			1,187,997
Property and equipment, net		629,486			643,120			652,361
Intangible assets, net		40,088			7,485			6,694
Goodwill		11,511			11,472			11,395
Long-term investments		648			5,915			5,915
Non-current deferred income taxes		8,833			19,616			27,475
Other assets		14,045			17,980			17,287
Total Assets	$	1,910,452		$	1,879,998		$	1,909,124
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
Accounts payable	$	222,894		$	167,723		$	196,504
Accrued compensation and payroll taxes		18,677			34,954			30,289
Accrued rent		74,888			70,390			71,133
Accrued income and other taxes		19,552			32,468			11,620
Unredeemed gift cards and gift certificates		22,456			41,001			20,266
Current portion of deferred lease credits		15,512			16,203			16,465
Other current liabilities and accrued expenses		22,570			25,098			21,285
Total current liabilities		396,549			387,837			367,562
Deferred lease credits		74,981			78,606			81,730
Non-current accrued income taxes		38,527			38,671			36,302
Other non-current liabilities		17,853			23,813			22,246
Total non-current liabilities		131,361			141,090			140,278
Commitments and contingencies		—			—			—
Preferred stock		—			—			—
Common stock		2,496			2,496			2,496
Contributed capital		550,110			546,597			543,265
Accumulated other comprehensive income		29,174			28,072			26,751
Retained earnings		1,744,280			1,711,929			1,745,912
Treasury stock		(943,518	)		(938,023	)		(917,140	)
Total stockholders’ equity		1,382,542			1,351,071			1,401,284
Total Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity	$	1,910,452		$	1,879,998		$	1,909,124
Current Ratio		3.04			3.03			3.23

AMERICAN EAGLE OUTFITTERS, INC.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

(Dollars and shares in thousands, except per share amounts)

(unaudited)

	13 Weeks Ended
	October 29, 2011			% of Sales			October 30, 2010			% of Sales
Net sales	$	831,826			100.0	%	$	751,507			100.0	%
Cost of sales, including certain buying, occupancy and warehousing expenses		522,859			62.9	%		439,198			58.4	%
Gross profit		308,967			37.1	%		312,309			41.6	%
Selling, general and administrative expenses		190,583			22.9	%		185,050			24.6	%
Depreciation and amortization		35,199			4.2	%		35,804			4.8	%
Operating income		83,185			10.0	%		91,455			12.2	%
Realized loss on sale of investment securities		—			0.0	%		(24,201	)		-3.2	%
Other (expense) income, net		(407	)		0.0	%		1,986			0.2	%
Income before income taxes		82,778			10.0	%		69,240			9.2	%
Provision for income taxes		30,351			3.7	%		36,049			4.8	%
Income from continuing operations		52,427			6.3	%		33,191			4.4	%
Loss from discontinued operations, net of tax		—			0.0	%		(167	)		0.0	%
Net income	$	52,427			6.3	%	$	33,024			4.4	%
Basic income per common share:
Income from continuing operations	$	0.27					$	0.17
Loss from discontinued operations		—						—
Net income per basic share	$	0.27					$	0.17
Diluted income per common share:
Income from continuing operations	$	0.27					$	0.17
Loss from discontinued operations		—						—
Net income per diluted share	$	0.27					$	0.17
Weighted average common shares outstanding — basic		194,378						195,590
Weighted average common shares outstanding — diluted		195,985						197,323

	39 Weeks Ended
	October 29, 2011		% of Sales			October 30, 2010			% of Sales
Net sales	$	2,117,091		100.0	%	$	2,051,471			100.0	%
Cost of sales, including certain buying, occupancy and warehousing expenses		1,344,302		63.5	%		1,241,758			60.5	%
Gross profit		772,789		36.5	%		809,713			39.5	%
Selling, general and administrative expenses		516,173		24.4	%		519,188			25.3	%
Depreciation and amortization		105,754		5.0	%		107,378			5.3	%
Operating income		150,862		7.1	%		183,147			8.9	%
Realized loss on sale of investment securities		—		0.0	%		(24,426	)		-1.2	%
Other income, net		5,536		0.3	%		1,222			0.1	%
Income before income taxes		156,398		7.4	%		159,943			7.8	%
Provision for income taxes		55,977		2.7	%		65,047			3.2	%
Income from continuing operations		100,421		4.7	%		94,896			4.6	%
Loss from discontinued operations, net of tax		—		0.0	%		(41,287	)		-2.0	%
Net income	$	100,421		4.7	%	$	53,609			2.6	%
Basic income per common share:
Income from continuing operations	$	0.52				$	0.47
Loss from discontinued operations		—					(0.20	)
Net income per basic share	$	0.52				$	0.27
Diluted income per common share:
Income from continuing operations	$	0.51				$	0.46
Loss from discontinued operations		—					(0.20	)
Net income per diluted share	$	0.51				$	0.26
Weighted average common shares outstanding — basic		194,659					201,678
Weighted average common shares outstanding — diluted		196,430					203,539

AMERICAN EAGLE OUTFITTERS, INC.

GAAP TO NON-GAAP EPS RECONCILIATION

(unaudited)

	13 Weeks Ended October 30, 2010
GAAP diluted EPS from continuing operations	$	0.17
Add back: Realized loss on sale of investment securities		0.12
Non-GAAP diluted EPS from continuing operations	$	0.29

AMERICAN EAGLE OUTFITTERS, INC.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(Dollars in thousands)

(unaudited)

	39 Weeks Ended
	October 29, 2011			October 30, 2010
Operating activities:
Net income	$	100,421		$	53,609
Loss from discontinued operations		—			41,287
Income from continuing operations		100,421			94,896
Adjustments to reconcile income from continuing operations to net cash from operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization		107,694			110,247
Share-based compensation		9,065			21,929
Provision for deferred income taxes		11,253			5,222
Tax benefit from share-based payments		293			12,848
Excess tax benefit from share-based payments		(152	)		(4,265	)
Foreign currency transaction (gain) loss		(277	)		44
Net impairment loss recognized in earnings		—			1,248
Realized loss on sale of investment securities		—			24,426
Changes in assets and liabilities:
Merchandise inventory		(270,538	)		(89,988	)
Accounts receivable		(4,426	)		(7,454	)
Prepaid expenses and other		(10,627	)		(4,879	)
Other assets		3,935			(677	)
Accounts payable		60,033			40,326
Unredeemed gift cards and gift certificates		(18,609	)		(18,916	)
Deferred lease credits		(4,354	)		(2,868	)
Accrued compensation and payroll taxes		(16,297	)		(24,379	)
Accrued income and other taxes		(13,036	)		(13,647	)
Accrued liabilities		(2,461	)		2,336
Total adjustments		(148,504	)		51,553
Net cash (used for) provided by operating activities from continuing operations	$	(48,083	)	$	146,449
Investing activities:
Capital expenditures for property and equipment		(96,745	)		(65,363	)
Acquisition of intangible assets		(33,886	)		(1,849	)
Purchase of available-for-sale securities		(186,328	)		—
Sale of available-for-sale securities		157,994			177,472
Net cash (used for) provided by investing activities from continuing operations	$	(158,965	)	$	110,260
Financing activities:
Payments on capital leases		(2,343	)		(1,774	)
Repayment of note payable		—			(30,000	)
Repurchase of common stock as part of publicly announced programs		(15,160	)		(192,268	)
Repurchase of common stock from employees		(2,189	)		(18,024	)
Net proceeds from stock options exercised		2,680			5,762
Excess tax benefit from share-based payments		152			4,265
Cash used to net settle equity awards		—		��	(6,434	)
Cash dividends paid		(64,273	)		(64,659	)
Net cash used for financing activities from continuing operations	$	(81,133	)	$	(303,132	)
Effect of exchange rates on cash		872			1,553
Cash flows of discontinued operations
Net cash used for operating activities		—			(18,309	)
Net cash used for investing activities		—			(6	)
Net cash used for financing activities		—			—
Effect of exchange rate on cash		—			—
Net cash used for discontinued operations	$	—		$	(18,315	)
Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents	$	(287,309	)	$	(63,185	)
Cash and cash equivalents — beginning of period		667,593			693,960
Cash and cash equivalents — end of period	$	380,284		$	630,775

AMERICAN EAGLE OUTFITTERS, INC.

COMPARABLE STORE SALES RESULTS BY BRAND

(unaudited)

	Third Quarter Comparable Store Sales
	2011			2010
American Eagle Outfitters, Inc.		5	%		1	%
AE Brand		5	%		Flat
aerie		8	%		11	%
AEO Direct(1)		21	%		-2	%

	YTD Third Quarter Comparable Store Sales
	2011			2010
American Eagle Outfitters, Inc.		-1	%		1	%
AE Brand		-1	%		1	%
aerie		Flat			10	%
AEO Direct(1)		13	%		-3	%

(1) AEO Direct is comprised of ae.com, aerie.com and 77kids.com. AEO Direct is not included in consolidated comparable store sales.

AMERICAN EAGLE OUTFITTERS, INC.

REAL ESTATE INFORMATION

(unaudited)

	Third Quarter Fiscal 2011	YTD Third Quarter Fiscal 2011	Fiscal 2011 Guidance
Consolidated stores at beginning of period	1,103	1,086	1,086
Consolidated stores opened during the period
AE Brand	6	11	11
aerie	7	10	10
77kids	—	12	12
Consolidated stores closed during the period
AE Brand	—	(3)	(15) - (25)
Total consolidated stores at end of period	1,116	1,116	1,094 - 1,104
Stores remodeled during the period	5	59	60 - 65
Total gross square footage at end of period	6,536,564	6,536,564	Not Provided