American Eagle Outfitters Inc August Sales Conference Call
Good morning, and welcome to the American Eagle Outfitters August 2009 sales commentary. This is Judy Heart tag charm Toggle bracelet, Vice President of Investor Relations. During this call, I will make certain forward-looking statements based on our current expectations.
Actual results may be materially different based on risk factors included in our quarterly and annual reports filed with the SEC.
Total sales for the four weeks ended August 29, 2009 decreased 4% to $307.7 million compared to $320 million for the four weeks ended August 30, 2008. Consolidated comparable store sales decreased 7% compared to a 5% decrease for the same period last year. August sales performance was consistent with our expectations.
AE brand comparable store sales showed improvement from the first half of the year, driven by better results in the women’s business. Overall, AE women’s posted negative mid single digit comps and men’s declined in the high single digits. Women’s jeans were among the best-performing categories, along with dresses, jewelry, men’s graphics, and men’s and women’s woven shirts.
AEO direct sales increased in the low single digits in the month of August. Our online business was discount tiffany affected by a later Labor Day and extended back-to-school shopping period.
This week, the AE fall assortment arrived in stores and online, providing newness for the holiday weekend and late peak back-to-school shopping season.
Now regarding earnings, we continue to expect third-quarter earnings $0.22 to $0.25 per share, which includes a tax benefit of approximately $0.05. This guidance excludes the possibility of additional impairments or losses related to investment securities. This compares to third-quarter EPS of $0.30 last year.
Thank you for your continued interest in American Eagle Outfitters.
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In the conference calls upon which Event Transcripts are based, companies may make projections or other forward-looking statements regarding a variety of items. Such forward-looking statements are based upon current expectations and involve risks and uncertainties. Actual results may differ materially from those stated in any forward-looking statement based on a number of important factors and risks, which are more specifically identified in the companies’ most recent SEC filings. Although the companies may indicate and believe that the Return to Tiffany heart tag Charm and bracelet underlying the forward-looking statements are reasonable, any of the assumptions could prove inaccurate or incorrect and, therefore, there can be no assurance that the results contemplated in the forward-looking statements will be realized.
