| • | | Other income of $3 million compared to $4 million last year. The decrease is primarily attributable to a benefit from a vendor settlement recorded last year. |
| • | | EPS of $0.48 was flat to last year. |
Inventory
Total ending inventories at cost increased 9% to $647 million. The increase largely reflects inventory to support strong demand for AE Jeans, including new styles and expanded sizes. New store openings, primarily for Aerie, also contributed to the increase.
Capital Expenditures
In the third quarter, capital expenditures totaled $58 million, primarily related to store remodeling projects and new openings, with the balance to support the digital business and corporate IT. On ayear-to-date basis, capital expenditures have totaled $150 million. We continue to expect annual capital expenditures to be in the range of $200 to $215 million.
Shareholder Returns, Cash and Investments
During the third quarter, the company returned $55 million to shareholders through cash dividends and share repurchases. We paid cash dividends of $23 million and repurchased 2.0 million shares for $32 million. Year to date, we have repurchased a total of 6.3 million shares for a total of $112 million and have 35.4 million shares remaining under the current authorization. We ended the third quarter with total cash and investments of $265 million.
Store Information
During the quarter, the company opened 6 American Eagle stores, ending with 945 American Eagle stores, including 170 Aerieside-by-side locations. Additionally, the company opened 12 Aerie stand-alone stores and closed1,ending with 142 Aerie stand-alone stores. Internationally, the company ended the quarter with 241 licensed stores compared to 223 last year. For additional store information, see the accompanying table.
Fourth Quarter Outlook
Management expects fourth quarter 2019 EPS to be in the range of $0.34 to $0.36, with comparable sales approximately flat. This guidance excludes potential asset impairment and restructuring charges. Last year, the company reported EPS of $0.43 for the fourth quarter.
Conference Call and Supplemental Financial Information
Today, management will host a conference call and real time webcast at 9:00 a.m. Eastern Time. To listen to the call, dial1-877-407-0789 or1-201-689-8562 (international) and provide the Conference ID 13695188 or go tohttp://investors.ae.com to access the webcast and audio replay. Additionally, a financial results presentation is posted on the company’s website.
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