Summary of Significant Accounting Policies | 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 February 3, 2018, the Company operated in one reportable segment. The Company exited its 77kids brand in 2012. These Consolidated Financial Statements reflect the results of 77kids as discontinued operations for all periods presented. Fiscal Year Our fiscal year ends on the Saturday nearest to January 31. As used herein, “Fiscal 2018” refers to the 52-week period ending February 2, 2019. “Fiscal 2017” refers to the 53-week period ended February 3, 2018. “Fiscal 2016” and “Fiscal 2015” refer to the 52-week periods ended January 28, 2017 and January 30, 2016, respectively. Estimates The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”) requires the Company’s management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of 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 May 2014, the Financial Accounting Standard Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) No. 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-02, Leases Leases Foreign Currency Translation In accordance with Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) 830, Foreign Currency Matters Comprehensive Income Cash and Cash Equivalents The Company considers all highly liquid investments purchased with a remaining maturity of three months or less to be cash equivalents. As of February 3, 2018 and January 28, 2017, the Company held no short-term investments. Refer to Note 3 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for information regarding cash and cash equivalents and 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 which both title and risk of loss for the merchandise transfers 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, based on historical results, can be affected by changes in merchandise mix and changes in actual shrinkage trends. 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 10 years or the term of the lease Fixtures and equipment 5 years Information technology 3-5 years As of February 3, 2018, the weighted average remaining useful life of our assets is approximately 8.1 years. In accordance with ASC 360, Property, Plant, and Equipment During Fiscal 2016, the Company recorded pre-tax asset impairment charges of $20.6 million that included $7.2 million for the impairment of all Company owned retail stores in the United Kingdom, Hong Kong and China. This amount is included within impairment and restructuring charges in the Consolidated Statements of Operations. These charges were the result of business performance and exploring an initiative to convert these markets to licensed partnerships. Retail stores in these markets no longer are able to generate sufficient cash flow over the expected remaining lease term to recover the carrying value of the respective stores’ assets. Additionally, the Company recorded $10.8 million of impairment charges related to non-store corporate assets that support the United Kingdom, Hong Kong and China Company owned retail store and e-commerce operations and $2.5 million of goodwill impairment for the China and Hong Kong retail operations. When the Company closes, remodels or relocates a store prior to the end of its lease term, the remaining net book value of the assets related to the store is recorded as a write-off of assets within depreciation and amortization expense. Refer to Note 7 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information regarding property and equipment and Note 15 for additional information regarding impairment charges. Goodwill The Company’s goodwill is primarily related to the acquisition of its importing operations, Canadian, Hong Kong and China businesses and the acquisition of Tailgate and Todd Snyder. In accordance with ASC 350, Intangibles-Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets Intangible assets are recorded on the basis of cost with amortization computed utilizing the straight-line method over the assets’ estimated useful lives. The Company’s intangible assets, which primarily include trademark assets, are amortized over 15 to 25 years. The Company evaluates intangible assets for impairment in accordance with ASC 350 when events or circumstances indicate that the carrying value of the asset may not be recoverable. Such an evaluation includes the estimation of undiscounted future cash flows to be generated by those assets. If the sum of the estimated future undiscounted cash flows is less than the carrying amounts of the assets, then the assets are impaired and are adjusted to their estimated fair value. No intangible asset impairment charges were recorded for all periods presented. Refer to Note 8 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information regarding intangible assets. 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). The receivable is reduced as amounts are received from the landlord. Self-Insurance Liability The Company uses a combination of insurance and self-insurance mechanisms for certain losses related to employee medical benefits and worker’s compensation. Costs for self-insurance claims filed and claims incurred but not reported are accrued based on known claims and historical experience. Management believes that it has adequately reserved for its self-insurance liability, which is capped through the use of stop loss contracts with insurance companies. However, any significant variation of future claims from historical trends could cause actual results to differ from the accrued liability. Co-branded Credit Card The Company offers a co-branded credit card (the “AEO Visa Card”) and a private label credit card (the “AEO Credit Card”) under the AEO and Aerie brands. These credit cards are issued by a third-party bank (the “Bank”) in accordance with a credit card agreement (“the Agreement”). The Company has no liability to the Bank for bad debt expense, provided that purchases are made in accordance with the Bank’s procedures. We receive funding from the Bank based on the Agreement and card activity, which includes payments for new account activations and usage of the credit cards. We recognize revenue for this funding when the amounts are fixed or determinable and collectability is reasonably assured. This revenue is recorded in other revenue, which is a component of total net revenue in our Consolidated Statements of Operations and Retained Earnings. Once a customer is approved to receive the AEO Visa Card or the AEO Credit Card and the card is activated, the customer is eligible to participate in the customer loyalty program offered by the Company. For further information on the Company’s loyalty program, refer to the Customer Loyalty Program caption below. Customer Loyalty Program The Company recently launched a new, highly digitized loyalty program called AEO Connected TM ® Points earned under the Program on purchases at AE and Aerie are accounted for in accordance with ASC 605-25, Revenue Recognition, Multiple Element Arrangements Income Taxes The Company calculates income taxes in accordance with ASC 740, Income Taxes The Company evaluates its income tax positions in accordance with ASC 740 which 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 ASC 740, 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. The calculation of the deferred tax assets and liabilities, as well as the decision to recognize a tax benefit from an uncertain position and to establish a valuation allowance require management to make estimates and assumptions. The Company believes that its assumptions and estimates are reasonable, although actual results may have a positive or negative material impact on the balances of deferred tax assets and liabilities, valuation allowances or net income. The Company has included the estimated impact of the recently enacted U.S. Tax Act in our financial results for the period ended February 3, 2018. The Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) has issued interpretive guidance under Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 118 ("SAB 118") that allows for a measurement period of up to one year after the enactment date of the Tax Act to finalize the recording of the related tax impacts. Our future results could include additional adjustments, and those adjustments could be material. Refer to Note 14 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information . 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 total net revenue. 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 total net revenue 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. For the Years Ended February 3, January 28, January 30, (In thousands) 2018 2017 2016 Beginning balance $ 3,639 $ 3,349 $ 3,249 Returns (103,393 ) (97,126 ) (90,719 ) Provisions 104,471 97,416 90,819 Ending balance $ 4,717 $ 3,639 $ 3,349 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 total net revenue. For further information on the Company’s gift card program, refer to the Gift Cards caption below. The Company recognizes royalty revenue generated from its license or franchise agreements based upon a percentage of merchandise sales by the licensee/franchisee. This revenue is recorded as a component of total net revenue when earned. 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 (collectively "merchandise costs") and buying, occupancy and warehousing costs. Design costs are related to the Company's Design Center operations and include compensation, travel and entertainment, supplies and samples for our design teams, as well as rent and depreciation for our Design Center. These costs are included in cost of sales as the respective inventory is sold. Buying, occupancy and warehousing costs consist of compensation, employee benefit expenses and travel and entertainment 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. Gross profit is the difference between total net revenue and cost of sales. 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. Additionally, selling, general and administrative expenses do not include rent and utilities related to our stores, operating costs of our distribution centers, and shipping and handling costs related to our e-commerce operations. Advertising Costs Certain advertising costs, including direct mail, in-store photographs and other promotional costs are expensed when the marketing campaign commences. As of February 3, 2018 and January 28, 2017, the Company had prepaid advertising expense of $6.6 million and $8.4 million, respectively. All other advertising costs are expensed as incurred. The Company recognized $129.8 million, $124.5 million and $104.1 million in advertising expense during Fiscal 2017, Fiscal 2016 and Fiscal 2015, respectively. Store Pre-Opening Costs Store pre-opening costs consist primarily of rent, advertising, supplies and payroll expenses. These costs are expensed as incurred. Other (Expense) Income, Net Other (expense) income, net consists primarily of allowances for uncollectible receivables, foreign currency transaction gain/loss, interest income/expense and realized investment gains/losses. 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. The Company estimates gift card breakage and recognizes revenue in proportion to actual gift card redemptions as a component of total net revenue. 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. The Company recorded gift card breakage of $10.1 million, $9.1 million and $8.2 million during Fiscal 2017, Fiscal 2016 and Fiscal 2015, respectively. Legal Proceedings and Claims The Company is subject to certain legal proceedings and claims arising out of the conduct of its business. In accordance with ASC 450, Contingencies Supplemental Disclosures of Cash Flow Information The table below shows supplemental cash flow information for cash amounts paid during the respective periods: For the Years Ended February 3, January 28, January 30, (In thousands) 2018 2017 2016 Cash paid during the periods for: Income taxes $ 47,094 $ 126,592 $ 116,765 Interest $ 1,098 $ 1,155 $ 1,173 Segment Information In accordance with ASC 280, Segment Reporting (“ASC 280”), the Company has identified two operating segments (American Eagle Brand and Aerie Brand) that reflect the Company’s operational structure as well as the business’s internal view of analyzing results and allocating resources. All of the operating segments have met the aggregation criteria and have been aggregated and are presented as one reportable segment, as permitted by ASC 280. The following tables present summarized geographical information: For the Years Ended February 3, January 28, January 30, (In thousands) 2018 2017 2016 Total net revenue: United States $ 3,295,066 $ 3,160,699 $ 3,091,205 Foreign (1) 500,483 449,166 430,643 Total net revenue $ 3,795,549 $ 3,609,865 $ 3,521,848 (1) Amounts represent sales from American Eagle and Aerie international retail stores, and e-commerce sales that are billed to and/or shipped to foreign countries and international franchise royalty revenue. February 3, January 28, (In thousands) 2018 2017 Long-lived assets, net: United States $ 706,778 $ 693,061 Foreign 79,197 78,996 Total long-lived assets, net $ 785,975 $ 772,057 |