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UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
Form 10-K
 
þ 	ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d)	
    	OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934	
 
    	For the Fiscal Year Ended January 28, 2012	
OR
 
¨ 	TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d)	
    	OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934	
Commission File Number: 1-33338
American Eagle Outfitters, Inc.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

Delaware	 	No. 13-2721761	
(State or other jurisdiction of
incorporation or organization)	 	(I.R.S. Employer
Identification No.)	
		
77 Hot Metal Street, Pittsburgh, PA	 	15203-2329	
(Address of principal executive offices)	 	(Zip Code)	
Registrant’s telephone number, including area code:
(412) 432-3300
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:

Common Shares, $0.01 par value	 	New York Stock Exchange	
(Title of class)	 	(Name of each exchange on which registered)	
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act:
None
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act.    YES   þ         NO   ¨
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or Sections 15(d) of the Act.    YES   ¨         NO   þ
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to the filing requirements for at the past 90 days.    YES   þ         NO   ¨
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).    YES   þ         NO   ¨
Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K (§229.405 of this chapter) is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the best of registrant’s knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this Form 10-K.     ¨
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check one):

Large accelerated filer   þ	  	Accelerated filer   ¨	  	Non-accelerated filer   ¨	  	Smaller reporting company   ¨	
	  	(Do not check if a smaller reporting company)	  		
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Act).    YES   ¨         NO   þ
The aggregate market value of voting and non-voting common equity held by non-affiliates of the registrant as of July 30, 2011 was $2,334,798,008.
Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the registrant’s classes of common stock, as of the latest practicable date: 194,539,858 Common Shares were outstanding at March 12, 2012.
DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE
Part III — Proxy Statement for 2012 Annual Meeting of Stockholders, in part, as indicated.

 

Table of Contents
AMERICAN EAGLE OUTFITTERS, INC.
 TABLE OF CONTENTS

 	  	 	  	Page
Number	 	
			
	  	PART I	  				
Item 1.	  	Business	  	 	2	  	
Item 1A.	  	Risk Factors	  	 	9	  	
Item 1B.	  	Unresolved Staff Comments	  	 	12	  	
Item 2.	  	Properties	  	 	12	  	
Item 3.	  	Legal Proceedings	  	 	13	  	
Item 4.	  	Mine Safety Disclosures	  	 	13	  	
			
	  	PART II	  				
Item 5.	  	Market for the Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities	  	 	14	  	
Item 6.	  	Selected Consolidated Financial Data	  	 	17	  	
Item 7.	  	Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations	  	 	18	  	
Item 7A.	  	Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk	  	 	32	  	
Item 8.	  	Financial Statements and Supplementary Data	  	 	33	  	
Item 9.	  	Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure	  	 	68	  	
Item 9A.	  	Controls and Procedures	  	 	68	  	
Item 9B.	  	Other Information	  	 	70	  	
			
	  	PART III	  				
Item 10.	  	Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance	  	 	70	  	
Item 11.	  	Executive Compensation	  	 	70	  	
Item 12.	  	Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters	  	 	70	  	
Item 13.	  	Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence	  	 	70	  	
Item 14.	  	Principal Accounting Fees and Services	  	 	70	  	
			
	  	PART IV	  				
Item 15.	  	Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules	  	 	70	  	
 
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PART I
 ITEM 1.     BUSINESS. 
General
American Eagle Outfitters, Inc. a Delaware corporation (the “Company”), operates under the American Eagle ® , aerie ® by American Eagle ® , and 77kids by american eagle ® brands. The Company operated the MARTIN+OSA ® brand (“M+O”) until its closure during Fiscal 2010.
Founded in 1977, American Eagle Outfitters ® is a leading specialty retailer that operates more than 1,000 retail stores in the U.S. and Canada, and online at ae.com ® . Through our family of brands, American Eagle Outfitters, Inc. offers high quality, on-trend clothing, accessories and personal care products at affordable prices. Our online business, AEO Direct, ships to 77 countries worldwide.
As used in this report, all references to “we,” “our” and the “Company” refer to American Eagle Outfitters, Inc. (“AEO, Inc.”) and its wholly-owned subsidiaries. “American Eagle Outfitters,” “American Eagle,” “AE” and the “AE Brand” refer to our U.S. and Canadian American Eagle Outfitters ® stores. “AEO Direct” refers to our e-commerce operations, ae.com ® , aerie.com and 77kids.com. “MARTIN+OSA” or “M+O” refers to the MARTIN+OSA stores and e-commerce operation which we operated until its closure during Fiscal 2010.
Our financial year is a 52/53 week year that ends on the Saturday nearest to January 31. As used herein, “Fiscal 2012” refers to the 53 week period ending February 2, 2013. “Fiscal 2011,” “Fiscal 2010,” “Fiscal 2009,” “Fiscal 2008” and “Fiscal 2007” refer to the 52 week periods ended January 28, 2012, January 29, 2011, January 30, 2010, January 31, 2009 and February 2, 2008, respectively. “Fiscal 2006” refers to the 53 week period ended February 3, 2007.
On March 5, 2010, our Board of Directors (the “Board”) approved management’s recommendation to proceed with the closure of the M+O brand. We completed the closure of M+O stores and its e-commerce operation during the second quarter of Fiscal 2010. The Consolidated Financial Statements reflect the presentation of M+O as a discontinued operation. Refer to Note 15 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information regarding the discontinued operations of M+O.
As of January 28, 2012, we operated 911 American Eagle Outfitters stores, 158 aerie stand-alone stores and 21 77kids stores. We also had 21 franchised stores operated by our franchise partners in 10 countries.
Information concerning our segments and certain geographic information is contained in Note 2 of the Consolidated Financial Statements included in this Form 10-K and is incorporated herein by reference. Additionally, a five-year summary of certain financial and operating information can be found in Part II, Item 6, Selected Consolidated Financial Data, of this Form 10-K. See also Part II, Item 8, Financial Statements and Supplementary Data.
Growth Strategy
Our primary growth strategies are focused on the following key areas of opportunity:
AE Brand
The American Eagle Outfitters ® brand targets 15 to 25-year old men and women. Denim is the cornerstone of the American Eagle ® product assortment, which is complemented by other key categories including sweaters, graphic t-shirts, fleece, outerwear and accessories. American Eagle ® is honest, real, individual and fun. American Eagle ® is priced to be worn by everyone, everyday, delivering value through quality and style.
 
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Gaining market share in key categories, such as knit tops and fleece, is a primary focus within the AE Brand. In addition, we will build upon our leading position in denim. Delivering value, variety and versatility to our customers remains a top priority. We will offer value at all levels of the assortment, punctuated with promotions. We are reducing production lead-times, which enables us to react more quickly to emerging trends. Finally, we continue to innovate our store experience to be more impactful from front to back.
aerie by American Eagle
In the fall of 2006, the Company launched aerie ® by American Eagle ® (“aerie”), a collection of Dormwear ® , intimates and personal care products for the AE ® girl. The collection is available in 158 stand-alone aerie stores throughout the United States and Canada, online at aerie.com and at select American Eagle ® stores. aerie, with intimates at the core, is beautiful, feminine, soft, sensuous, yet comfortable.
77kids by american eagle
Introduced in October of 2008 as an online-only brand, 77kids by american eagle ® (“77kids”) offers on-trend, high-quality clothing and accessories for kids ages two to 14 and babies under the brand name little77 TM . 77kids is available in 21 stores throughout the United States. The brand draws from the strong heritage of American Eagle Outfitters ® , with a point-of-view that is thoughtful, playful and real. Like American Eagle ® clothing, 77kids focuses on great fit, value and style. All 77kids ® clothing is backed by the brand’s 77wash TM and 77soft TM guarantees to maintain size, shape and quality and to be extremely soft and comfortable through dozens of washes.
AEO Direct
We sell merchandise via our e-commerce operations, ae.com ® , aerie.com and 77kids.com, which are extensions of the lifestyle that we convey in our stores. We currently ship to 77 countries. In addition to purchasing items online, customers can experience AEO Direct in-store through Store-to-Door. Store-to-Door enables store associates to sell any item available online to an in-store customer in a single transaction. Customers are taking advantage of Store-to-Door by purchasing extended sizes that are not available in-store, as well as finding a certain size or color that happens to be out-of-stock at the time of their visit. The ordered items are shipped to the customer’s home free of charge. We accept PayPal ® and Bill Me Later ® as a means of payment from our ae.com ® , aerie.com and 77kids.com customers. We are continuing to focus on the growth of AEO Direct through various initiatives, including improved site efficiency and faster check-out, expansion of sizes and styles, on-line specialty shops and targeted marketing strategies.
Real Estate
We continue to remain focused on the real-estate strategies that we have in place to grow our business and strengthen our financial performance utilizing our most productive formats.
We continue the expansion of our brands throughout the United States. At the end of Fiscal 2011, we operated in all 50 states, Puerto Rico and Canada. During Fiscal 2011, we opened 33 new stores, consisting of 11 AE stores, 10 aerie stores and 12 77kids stores. These store openings, partially offset by 29 store closings, increased our total store base to 1,090 stores.
Our stores average approximately 5,870 gross square feet and approximately 4,690 on a selling square foot basis. Our gross square footage increased by approximately 1% during Fiscal 2011, with approximately 54% attributable to the incremental square footage from store remodels and the remaining 46% attributable to new store openings.
During Fiscal 2011, we remodeled and refurbished a total of 106 AE stores. Five stores were remodeled with an expansion to their existing locations, 10 stores were relocated to a larger space within the mall, two stores were remodeled within their existing locations and 89 stores were refurbished as discussed below.
 
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Remodeling of our AE stores into our current store format is important to enhance our customer’s shopping experience. In order to maintain a balanced presentation and to accommodate additional product categories, we selectively enlarge our stores during the remodeling process to an average of 6,400 gross square feet, either within their existing location or by upgrading the store location within the mall. We believe the larger format can better accommodate our expansion of merchandise categories. We select stores for expansion or relocation based on market demographics and store volume forecasts.
We maintain a cost effective store refurbishment program targeted towards our lower volume stores, typically located in smaller markets. Stores selected as part of this program maintain their current location and size but are updated to include certain aspects of our current store format, including paint and new fixtures.
In Fiscal 2012, we plan to open approximately 14 AE and one 77kids store. We also plan to remodel and refurbish approximately 100 existing AE stores and close approximately 20 to 30 stores. Our square footage growth is expected to decrease slightly in Fiscal 2012. We believe that there are attractive retail locations where we can continue to open American Eagle stores and our other brands in enclosed regional malls, urban areas and lifestyle centers.
The table below shows certain information relating to our historical store growth from continuing operations.

 	  	Fiscal
2011	 	 	Fiscal
2010	 	 	Fiscal
2009	 	 	Fiscal
2008	 	 	Fiscal
2007	 	
Consolidated stores at beginning of period	  	 	1,086	  	 	 	1,075	  	 	 	1,070	  	 	 	968	  	 	 	906	  	
Consolidated stores opened during the period	  	 	33	  	 	 	34	  	 	 	29	  	 	 	112	  	 	 	66	  	
Consolidated stores closed during the period	  	 	(29	) 	 	 	(23	) 	 	 	(24	) 	 	 	(10	) 	 	 	(4	) 	
	  	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
Total consolidated stores at end of period	  	 	1,090	  	 	 	1,086	  	 	 	1,075	  	 	 	1,070	  	 	 	968	  	

 	  	Fiscal
2011	 	 	Fiscal
2010	 	 	Fiscal
2009	 	 	Fiscal
2008	 	 	Fiscal
2007	 	
AE Brand stores at beginning of period	  	 	929	  	 	 	938	  	 	 	954	  	 	 	929	  	 	 	903	  	
AE Brand stores opened during the period	  	 	11	  	 	 	14	  	 	 	8	  	 	 	35	  	 	 	30	  	
AE Brand stores closed during the period	  	 	(29	) 	 	 	(23	) 	 	 	(24	) 	 	 	(10	) 	 	 	(4	) 	
	  	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
Total AE Brand stores at end of period	  	 	911	  	 	 	929	  	 	 	938	  	 	 	954	  	 	 	929	  	

 	  	Fiscal
2011	 	 	Fiscal
2010	 	 	Fiscal
2009	 	 	Fiscal
2008	 	 	Fiscal
2007	 	
aerie stores at beginning of period	  	 	148	  	 	 	137	  	 	 	116	  	 	 	39	  	 	 	3	  	
aerie stores opened during the period	  	 	10	  	 	 	11	  	 	 	21	  	 	 	77	  	 	 	36	  	
aerie stores closed during the period	  	 	—	  	 	 	—	  	 	 	—	  	 	 	—	  	 	 	—	  	
	  	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
Total aerie stores at end of period	  	 	158	  	 	 	148	  	 	 	137	  	 	 	116	  	 	 	39	  	

 	  	Fiscal
2011	 	 	Fiscal
2010	 	 	Fiscal
2009	 	 	Fiscal
2008	 	 	Fiscal
2007	 	
77kids stores at beginning of period	  	 	9	  	 	 	—	  	 	 	—	  	 	 	—	  	 	 	—	  	
77kids stores opened during the period	  	 	12	  	 	 	9	  	 	 	—	  	 	 	—	  	 	 	—	  	
77kids stores closed during the period	  	 	—	  	 	 	—	  	 	 	—	  	 	 	—	  	 	 	—	  	
	  	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
Total 77kids stores at end of period	  	 	21	  	 	 	9	  	 	 	—	  	 	 	—	  	 	 	—	  	

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Consolidated Store Locations
As of January 28, 2012, we operated 1,090 stores in the United States and Canada under the American Eagle Outfitters, aerie and 77kids brands as shown below:
United States, including the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico — 994 stores

Alabama	  	 	17	  	  	Indiana	  	 	22	  	  	Nebraska	  	 	7	  	  	Rhode Island	  	 	4	  	
Alaska	  	 	5	  	  	Iowa	  	 	12	  	  	Nevada	  	 	4	  	  	South Carolina	  	 	17	  	
Arizona	  	 	16	  	  	Kansas	  	 	9	  	  	New Hampshire	  	 	9	  	  	South Dakota	  	 	3	  	
Arkansas	  	 	8	  	  	Kentucky	  	 	14	  	  	New Jersey	  	 	28	  	  	Tennessee	  	 	25	  	
California	  	 	71	  	  	Louisiana	  	 	14	  	  	New Mexico	  	 	3	  	  	Texas	  	 	73	  	
Colorado	  	 	11	  	  	Maine	  	 	5	  	  	New York	  	 	70	  	  	Utah	  	 	11	  	
Connecticut	  	 	20	  	  	Maryland	  	 	19	  	  	North Carolina	  	 	31	  	  	Vermont	  	 	3	  	
Delaware	  	 	5	  	  	Massachusetts	  	 	35	  	  	North Dakota	  	 	4	  	  	Virginia	  	 	28	  	
Florida	  	 	52	  	  	Michigan	  	 	34	  	  	Ohio	  	 	37	  	  	Washington	  	 	19	  	
Georgia	  	 	32	  	  	Minnesota	  	 	22	  	  	Oklahoma	  	 	12	  	  	West Virginia	  	 	9	  	
Hawaii	  	 	4	  	  	Mississippi	  	 	8	  	  	Oregon	  	 	12	  	  	Wisconsin	  	 	19	  	
Idaho	  	 	4	  	  	Missouri	  	 	19	  	  	Pennsylvania	  	 	65	  	  	Wyoming	  	 	2	  	
Illinois	  	 	34	  	  	Montana	  	 	2	  	  	Puerto Rico	  	 	5	  	  		  				
Canada — 96 stores

Alberta	  	 	13	  	  	New Brunswick	  	 	4	  	  	Ontario	  	 	49	  	  		  		
British Columbia	  	 	13	  	  	Newfoundland	  	 	1	  	  	Quebec	  	 	9	  	  		  		
Manitoba	  	 	2	  	  	Nova Scotia	  	 	3	  	  	Saskatchewan	  	 	2	  	  		  		
International Expansion
We have entered into franchise agreements with multiple partners to expand our brands internationally. Through these franchise agreements, we plan to open and operate a series of American Eagle stores in the Middle East, Northern Africa, Eastern Europe, Hong Kong, China, Israel and Japan. As of January 28, 2012, we had 21 franchised stores operated by our franchise partners in 10 countries. These franchise agreements do not involve a capital investment from AEO and require minimal operational involvement. We continue to evaluate additional opportunities to expand internationally. International franchise stores are not included in the consolidated store data or the total gross square feet calculation.
Purchasing
We purchase merchandise from suppliers who either manufacture their own merchandise, supply merchandise manufactured by others or both. During Fiscal 2011, we purchased a majority of our merchandise from non-North American suppliers.
All of our merchandise suppliers receive a vendor compliance manual that describes our quality standards and shipping instructions. We maintain a quality control department at our distribution centers to inspect incoming merchandise shipments for uniformity of sizes and colors and for overall quality of manufacturing. Periodic inspections are also made by our employees and agents at manufacturing facilities to identify quality problems prior to shipment of merchandise.
Corporate Responsibility
The Company is firmly committed to the principle that the people who make our clothes should be treated with dignity and respect. We seek to work with apparel suppliers throughout the world who share our commitment to providing safe and healthy workplaces. At a minimum, we require our suppliers to maintain a workplace environment that complies with local legal requirements and meets universally-accepted human rights standards.
 
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Our Vendor Code of Conduct (the “Code”), which is based on universally-accepted human rights principles, sets forth our expectations for suppliers. The Code must be posted in every factory that manufactures our clothes in the local language of the workers. All suppliers must agree to abide by the terms of our Code before we will place production with them.
We maintain an extensive factory inspection program, through our Hong Kong compliance office, to monitor compliance with our Code. The Hong Kong team validates the inspection reporting of our third-party vendor compliance auditors and works with new and existing factories on remediation of issues. New garment factories must pass an initial inspection in order to do business with us. Once new factories are approved, we then strive to re-inspect them at least once a year. We review the outcome of these inspections with factory management with the goal of helping them to continuously improve their performance. Although our primary goal is to remediate issues and build long term relationships with our vendors, in cases where a factory is unable or unwilling to meet our standards, we will take steps up to and including the severance of our business relationship.
In September 2011, we published our first publicly available Corporate Responsibility Report, AE Better World, on our website at www.ae.com. This Report focuses on four key areas of our company: Supply Chain, Environment, Associates and Communities. Where possible, the report references relevant indicators from the Global Reporting Initiative (“GRI”) G3 Guidelines and GRI Apparel & Footwear Sector Supplement.
Security Compliance
During recent years, there has been an increasing focus within the international trade community on concerns related to global terrorist activity. Various security issues and other terrorist threats have brought increased demands from the Bureau of Customs and Border Protection (“CBP”) and other agencies within the Department of Homeland Security that importers take responsible action to secure their supply chains. In response, we became a certified member of the Customs - Trade Partnership Against Terrorism program (“C-TPAT”) during 2004. C-TPAT is a voluntary program offered by CBP in which an importer agrees to work with CBP to strengthen overall supply chain security. Our internal security procedures were reviewed by CBP during February 2005 and a validation of processes with respect to our external partners was completed in June 2005 and then re-evaluated in June 2008. We received formal written validations of our security procedures from CBP during Fiscal 2006 and Fiscal 2008, each indicating the highest level of benefits afforded to C-TPAT members.
Historically, we took significant steps to expand the scope of our security procedures, including, but not limited to: a significant increase in the number of factory audits performed; a revision of the factory audit format to include a review of all critical security issues as defined by CBP; and a requirement that all of our international logistics partners, including forwarders, consolidators, shippers and brokers be certified members of C-TPAT. In Fiscal 2007, we further increased the scope of our inspection program to strive to include pre-inspections of all potential production facilities. In Fiscal 2009, we again expanded the program to require all suppliers that have passed pre-inspections and reached a satisfactory level of security compliance through annual factory re-audits to provide us with security self-assessments on at least an annual basis. Additionally, in Fiscal 2009, we began evaluating additional oversight options for high-risk security countries and among other things, implemented full third-party audits on an annual basis.
Trade Compliance
We act as the importer of record for substantially all of the merchandise we purchase overseas from foreign suppliers. Accordingly, we have an affirmative obligation to comply with the rules and regulations established for importers by the CBP regarding issues such as merchandise classification, valuation and country of origin. We have developed and implemented a comprehensive series of trade compliance procedures to assure that we adhere to all CBP requirements. In its most recent review and audit of our import operations and procedures, CBP found no material, unacceptable risks of non-compliance.
 
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Product Safety
We are strongly committed to the safety and well being of our customers. We require our products to meet U.S. state and federal and Canadian national laws and regulations. In certain cases, we also voluntarily adopt industry standards and best practices that may be higher than legally required or where no clear laws exist.
To ensure compliance with our product safety standards, we maintain an extensive set of testing protocols for each category of products. All of the products we sell are tested by an independent testing laboratory in accordance with applicable regulatory requirements. In rare cases where a safety issue has been discovered in a product that has reached our store shelves, we respond with a comprehensive recall process for all of our brands. In accordance with Consumer Product Safety Commission requirements, we publicly maintain a list of product recalls conducted on our e-commerce website.
Merchandise Inventory, Replenishment and Distribution
Merchandise is generally shipped directly from our vendors and routed through third-party transloaders at key ports of entry to our three U.S. distribution centers, one in Warrendale, Pennsylvania and the other two in Ottawa, Kansas, or to our Canadian distribution center in Mississauga, Ontario. Additionally, certain product is eligible to be shipped directly to stores, by-passing our distribution centers.
Upon receipt at one of our distribution centers, merchandise is processed and prepared for shipment to the stores or forwarded to a warehouse holding area to be used as store replenishment goods. The allocation of merchandise among stores varies based upon a number of factors, including geographic location, customer demographics and store size. Merchandise is shipped to our stores two to five times per week depending upon the season and store requirements.
The expansion of our Kansas distribution center in Fiscal 2007 enabled us to bring fulfillment services for AEO Direct in-house. The second phase of this expansion was completed in Fiscal 2008 to enhance operating efficiency and support our future growth.
Customer Credit and Returns
We offer a co-branded credit card (the “AEO Visa Card”) and a private label credit card (the “AEO Credit Card”) under the AE, aerie and 77kids brands. These credit cards are issued by a third-party bank (the “Bank”), and we have no liability to the Bank for bad debt expense, provided that purchases are made in accordance with the Bank’s procedures. 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 our credit card rewards program. Customers who make purchases at AE, aerie and 77kids earn discounts in the form of savings certificates when certain purchase levels are reached. Also, AEO Visa Card customers who make purchases at other retailers where the card is accepted earn additional discounts. Savings certificates are valid for 90 days from issuance. AEO Credit Card holders will also receive special promotional offers and advance notice of all American Eagle in-store sales events. The AEO Credit Card is accepted at all of our U.S. stores and at ae.com, aerie.com and 77kids.com. The AEO Visa Card is accepted in all of our stores and AEO Direct sites as well as merchants worldwide that accept Visa ® .
Customers in our U.S. and Canada stores may also pay for their purchases with American Express ® , Discover ® , MasterCard ® , Visa ® , bank debit cards, cash or check. Our AEO Direct customers may pay for their purchases using American Express ® , Discover ® , MasterCard ® and Visa ® . They may also pay for their purchases using PayPal ® and Bill Me Later ® .
Customers may also use gift cards to pay for their purchases. AE, aerie and 77kids gift cards can be purchased in our American Eagle, aerie and 77kids stores, respectively, and can be used both in-store and online. In addition, AE, aerie and 77kids gift cards are available for purchase through ae.com, aerie.com or 77kids.com. When the recipient uses the gift card, the value of the purchase is electronically deducted from the card and any remaining value can be used for future purchases. Our gift cards do not expire and we do not charge a service fee on inactive gift cards.
 
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We offer our retail customers a hassle-free return policy. We believe that our competitors offer similar credit card and customer service policies.
Competition
The retail apparel industry, including retail stores and e-commerce, is highly competitive. We compete with various individual and chain specialty stores, as well as the casual apparel and footwear departments of department stores and discount retailers, primarily on the basis of quality, fashion, service, selection and price.
Trademarks and Service Marks
We have registered AMERICAN EAGLE OUTFITTERS ® , AMERICAN EAGLE ® , AE ® and AEO ® with the United States Patent and Trademark Office. We have also registered or have applied to register these trademarks with the registries of the foreign countries in which our stores and/or manufacturers are located and/or where our product is shipped.
We have registered AMERICAN EAGLE OUTFITTERS ® and AMERICAN EAGLE ® with the Canadian Intellectual Property Office. In addition, we are exclusively licensed in Canada to use AE tm and AEO ® in connection with the sale of a wide range of clothing products.
In the United States and around the world, we have also registered, or have applied to register, a number of other marks used in our business, including aerie ® , 77kids by american eagle ® and little77 by american eagle ® .
These trademarks are renewable indefinitely and their registrations are properly maintained in accordance with the laws of the country in which they are registered. We believe that the recognition associated with these trademarks makes them extremely valuable and, therefore, we intend to use and renew our trademarks in accordance with our business plans.
Employees
As of January 28, 2012, we had approximately 39,600 employees in the United States and Canada, of whom approximately 33,100 were part-time and seasonal hourly employees. We consider our relationship with our employees to be good.
Seasonality
Historically, our operations have been seasonal, with a large portion of net sales and operating income occurring in the third and fourth fiscal quarters, reflecting increased demand during the back-to-school and year-end holiday selling seasons, respectively. As a result of this seasonality, any factors negatively affecting us during the third and fourth fiscal quarters of any year, including adverse weather or unfavorable economic conditions, could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations for the entire year. Our quarterly results of operations also may fluctuate based upon such factors as the timing of certain holiday seasons, the number and timing of new store openings, the acceptability of seasonal merchandise offerings, the timing and level of markdowns, store closings and remodels, competitive factors, weather and general economic conditions.
Available Information
Our Annual Reports on Form 10-K, Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, Current Reports on Form 8-K and amendments to those reports are available, free of charge, under the “About AEO, Inc.” section of our website at www.ae.com. These reports are available as soon as reasonably practicable after such material is electronically filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”).
 
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Our corporate governance materials, including our corporate governance guidelines, the charters of our audit, compensation, and nominating and corporate governance committees, and our code of ethics may also be found under the “About AEO, Inc.” section of our website at www.ae.com. Any amendments or waivers to our code of ethics will also be available on our website. A copy of the corporate governance materials is also available upon written request.
Additionally, our investor presentations are available under the “About AEO, Inc.” section of our website at www.ae.com. These presentations are available as soon as reasonably practicable after  they are presented at investor conferences.
Certifications
As required by the New York Stock Exchange (“NYSE”) Corporate Governance Standards Section 303A.12(a), on July 5, 2011 our Chief Executive Officer submitted to the NYSE a certification that he was not aware of any violation by the Company of NYSE corporate governance listing standards. Additionally, we filed with this Form 10-K, the Principal Executive Officer and Principal Financial Officer certifications required under  Sections 302 and 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
 ITEM 1A.     RISK FACTORS 
Our ability to anticipate and respond to changing consumer preferences, fashion trends and a competitive environment in a timely manner
Our future success depends, in part, upon our ability to identify and respond to fashion trends in a timely manner. The specialty retail apparel business fluctuates according to changes in the economy and customer preferences, dictated by fashion and season. These fluctuations especially affect the inventory owned by apparel retailers because merchandise typically must be ordered well in advance of the selling season. While we endeavor to test many merchandise items before ordering large quantities, we are still susceptible to changing fashion trends and fluctuations in customer demands.
In addition, the cyclical nature of the retail business requires that we carry a significant amount of inventory, especially during our peak selling seasons. We enter into agreements for the manufacture and purchase of our private label apparel well in advance of the applicable selling season. As a result, we are vulnerable to changes in consumer demand, pricing shifts and the timing and selection of merchandise purchases. The failure to enter into agreements for the manufacture and purchase of merchandise in a timely manner could, among other things, lead to a shortage of inventory and lower sales. Changes in fashion trends, if unsuccessfully identified, forecasted or responded to by us, could, among other things, lead to lower sales, excess inventories and higher markdowns, which in turn could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations and financial condition.
The effect of economic pressures and other business factors
The success of our operations depends to a significant extent upon a number of factors relating to discretionary consumer spending, including economic conditions affecting disposable consumer income such as employment, consumer debt, interest rates, increases in energy costs and consumer confidence. There can be no assurance that consumer spending will not be further negatively affected by general or local economic conditions, thereby adversely impacting our continued growth and results of operations.
Our ability to react to raw material, labor and energy cost increases
Increases in our costs, such as raw materials, labor and energy, may reduce our overall profitability. Specifically, fluctuations in the price of cotton that is used in the manufacture of merchandise we purchase from our suppliers has negatively impacted our cost of sales. We have strategies in place to help mitigate the rising cost of raw materials and our overall profitability depends on the success of those strategies. Additionally, increases in other costs, including labor and energy, could further reduce our profitability if not mitigated.
 
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Our ability to grow through new store openings and existing store remodels and expansions
Our continued growth and success will depend in part on our ability to open and operate new stores and expand and remodel existing stores on a timely and profitable basis. During Fiscal 2012, we plan to open approximately 14 new American Eagle stores in the U.S. and Canada and one 77kids store. Additionally, we plan to remodel and refurbish approximately 100 existing American Eagle stores during Fiscal 2012. Accomplishing our new and existing store expansion goals will depend upon a number of factors, including the ability to obtain suitable sites for new and expanded stores at acceptable costs, the hiring and training of qualified personnel, particularly at the store management level, the integration of new stores into existing operations and the expansion of our buying and inventory capabilities. There can be no assurance that we will be able to achieve our store expansion goals, manage our growth effectively, successfully integrate the planned new stores into our operations or operate our new and remodeled stores profitably.
Our ability to achieve planned store financial performance
The results achieved by our stores may not be indicative of long-term performance or the potential performance of stores in other locations. The failure of stores to achieve acceptable results could result in additional store asset impairment charges, which could adversely affect our continued growth and results of operations.
Our ability to grow through the internal development of new brands
We launched our new brand concepts, aerie and 77kids, during Fiscal 2006 and Fiscal 2008, respectively. Our ability to succeed in these new brands requires significant expenditures and management attention. Additionally, any new brand is subject to certain risks including customer acceptance, competition, product differentiation, the ability to attract and retain qualified personnel, including management and designers, and the ability to obtain suitable sites for new stores at acceptable costs. There can be no assurance that these new brands will grow or become profitable. If we are unable to succeed in developing profitable new brands, this could adversely impact our continued growth and results of operations.
Our international merchandise sourcing strategy
Substantially all of our merchandise is purchased from foreign suppliers. Although we purchase a significant portion of our merchandise through a single foreign buying agent, we do not maintain any exclusive commitments to purchase from any vendor. Since we rely on a small number of foreign sources for a significant portion of our purchases, any event causing the disruption of imports, including the insolvency of a significant supplier or a significant labor dispute, could have an adverse effect on our operations. Other events that could also cause a disruption of imports include the imposition of additional trade law provisions or import restrictions, such as increased duties, tariffs, anti-dumping provisions, increased CBP enforcement actions, or political or economic disruptions.
We have a Vendor Code of Conduct (the “Code”) that provides guidelines for all of our vendors regarding working conditions, employment practices and compliance with local laws. A copy of the Code is posted on our website, www.ae.com, and is also included in our vendor manual in English and multiple other languages. We have a factory compliance program to audit for compliance with the Code. However, there can be no assurance that our factory compliance program will be fully effective in discovering all violations. Publicity regarding violation of our Code or other social responsibility standards by any of our vendor factories could adversely affect our sales and financial performance.
We believe that there is a risk of terrorist activity on a global basis, and such activity might take the form of a physical act that impedes the flow of imported goods or the insertion of a harmful or injurious agent to an imported shipment. We have instituted policies and procedures designed to reduce the chance or impact of such actions including, but not limited to, factory audits and self-assessments, including audit protocols on all critical
 
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security issues; the review of security procedures of our other international trading partners, including forwarders, consolidators, shippers and brokers; and the cancellation of agreements with entities who fail to meet our security requirements. In addition, the United States CBP has recognized us as a validated, tier three member of the Customs - Trade Partnership Against Terrorism program, a voluntary program in which an importer agrees to work with customs to strengthen overall supply chain security. However, there can be no assurance that terrorist activity can be prevented entirely and we cannot predict the likelihood of any such activities or the extent of their adverse impact on our operations.
Our reliance on external vendors
Given the volatility and risk in the current markets, our reliance on external vendors leaves us subject to certain risks should one or more of these external vendors become insolvent. Although we monitor the financial stability of our key vendors and plan for contingencies, the financial failure of a key vendor could disrupt our operations and have an adverse effect on our cash flows, results of operations and financial condition.
Seasonality
Historically, our operations have been seasonal, with a large portion of net sales and operating income occurring in the third and fourth fiscal quarters, reflecting increased demand during the back-to-school and year-end holiday selling seasons, respectively. As a result of this seasonality, any factors negatively affecting us during the third and fourth fiscal quarters of any year, including adverse weather or unfavorable economic conditions, could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations for the entire year. Our quarterly results of operations also may fluctuate based upon such factors as the timing of certain holiday seasons, the number and timing of new store openings, the acceptability of seasonal merchandise offerings, the timing and level of markdowns, store closings and remodels, competitive factors, weather and general economic conditions.
Our reliance on our ability to implement and sustain information technology systems
We regularly evaluate our information technology systems and are currently implementing modifications and/or upgrades to the information technology systems that support our business. Modifications include replacing legacy systems with successor systems, making changes to legacy systems or acquiring new systems with new functionality. We are aware of inherent risks associated with replacing and modifying these systems, including inaccurate system information and system disruptions. We believe we are taking appropriate action to mitigate the risks through testing, training, staging implementation and in-sourcing certain processes, as well as securing appropriate commercial contracts with third-party vendors supplying such replacement and redundancy technologies. Information technology system disruptions and inaccurate system information, if not anticipated and appropriately mitigated, could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations.
Our ability to safeguard against any security breach with respect to our information technology systems
During the course of business, we regularly obtain and transmit confidential customer information through our information technology systems. If our information technology systems are breached, an unauthorized third party may obtain access to confidential customer information. Any compromise or breach of our systems that results in unauthorized access to confidential customer information could cause us to incur significant legal and financial liabilities, damage to our reputation and a loss of customer confidence. These impacts could have a material adverse effect on our business and results of operations.
Our reliance on key personnel
Our success depends to a significant extent upon the continued services of our key personnel, including senior management, as well as our ability to attract and retain qualified key personnel and skilled employees in the future. Our operations could be adversely affected if, for any reason, one or more key executive officers ceased to be active in our management.
 
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Failure to comply with regulatory requirements
As a public company, we are subject to numerous regulatory requirements. Our policies, procedures and internal controls are designed to comply with all applicable laws and regulations, including those imposed by the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, the SEC and the NYSE. Failure to comply with such laws and regulations could have a material adverse effect on our reputation, financial condition and on the market price of our common stock.
Our ability to obtain and/or maintain our credit facilities
We believe that we have sufficient cash flows from operating activities to meet our operating requirements. In addition, the banks participating in our various credit facilities are currently rated as investment grade, and all of the amounts under the credit facilities are currently available to us at the discretion of the respective financial institutions. We draw on our credit facilities to increase our cash position to add financial flexibility. Although we expect to continue to generate positive cash flow despite the current economy, there can be no assurance that we will be able to successfully generate positive cash flow in the future. Continued negative trends in the credit markets and/or continued financial institution failures could lead to lowered credit availability as well as difficulty in obtaining financing. In the event of limitations on our access to credit facilities, our liquidity, continued growth and results of operations could be adversely affected.
Our efforts to expand internationally
We have entered into franchise agreements with multiple franchisees to open and operate stores throughout the Middle East, Northern Africa, Eastern Europe, Hong Kong, China, Israel and Japan over the next several years. While the franchise arrangements do not involve a capital investment from us and require minimal operational involvement, the effect of these arrangements on our business and results of operations is uncertain and will depend upon various factors, including the demand for our products in new markets internationally. Furthermore, although we provide store operation training, literature and support, to the extent that the franchisee does not operate its stores in a manner consistent with our requirements regarding our brand and customer experience standards, the value of our brand could be negatively impacted. A failure to protect the value of our brand or any other adverse actions by a franchisee could have an adverse effect on our results of operations and our reputation.
Other risk factors
Additionally, other factors could adversely affect our financial performance, including factors such as: our ability to successfully acquire and integrate other businesses; any interruption of our key infrastructure systems; any disaster or casualty resulting in the interruption of service from our distribution centers or in a large number of our stores; any interruption of our business related to an outbreak of a pandemic disease in a country where we source or market our merchandise; changes in weather patterns; the effects of changes in current exchange rates and interest rates; and international and domestic acts of terror.
The impact of any of the previously discussed factors, some of which are beyond our control, may cause our actual results to differ materially from expected results in these statements and other forward-looking statements we may make from time-to-time.
 ITEM 1B.     UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS. 
Not applicable.
 ITEM 2.     PROPERTIES. 
We own two buildings in urban Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania which house our corporate headquarters. These buildings total 186,000 square feet and 150,000 square feet, respectively. We lease one location near our headquarters, which is used primarily for store and corporate support services, totaling approximately 51,000 square feet. This lease expires in 2024.
 
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We own a 423,000 square foot building located in a suburban area near Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, which houses our distribution center and contains approximately 120,000 square feet of office space. We also own a 45,000 square foot building, which houses our data center and additional office space. We lease an additional location of approximately 18,000 square feet, which is used for storage space. This lease expires in 2015.
We rent approximately 131,000 square feet of office space in New York, New York for our designers and sourcing and production teams. The lease for this space expires in May 2016. We also lease an additional 47,300 square feet of office space in New York, New York, with various terms expiring through 2018.
We own a distribution facility in Ottawa, Kansas consisting of approximately 1,220,000 total square feet, including two expansions of 544,000 square feet and 280,000 square feet, respectively. This expanded facility is used to support new and existing growth initiatives, including AEO Direct, aerie and 77kids.
We lease a building in Mississauga, Ontario with approximately 294,000 square feet, which houses our Canadian distribution center. The lease expires in 2017.
We lease our flagship store in the Times Square area of New York, New York. The 25,000 square foot location has an initial term of 15 years with three options to renew for five years each. This flagship store opened in November 2009 and the initial lease term expires in 2024.
All of our stores in the United States and Canada are leased. The store leases generally have initial terms of 10 years. Certain leases also include early termination options, which can be exercised under specific conditions. Most of these leases provide for base rent and require the payment of a percentage of sales as additional contingent rent when sales reach specified levels. Under our store leases, we are typically responsible for tenant occupancy costs, including maintenance and common area charges, real estate taxes and certain other expenses. We have generally been successful in negotiating renewals as leases  near expiration.
 ITEM 3.     LEGAL PROCEEDINGS. 
We are a party to various legal actions incidental to our business, including certain actions in which we are the plaintiff. At this time, our management does not expect the results of any of the legal actions to be material to our financial position or results of operations.
 ITEM 4.     MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES. 
Not applicable.
 
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PART II
 
 ITEM 5.	MARKET FOR THE REGISTRANT’S COMMON EQUITY, RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS AND ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES. 	
Our common stock is traded on the NYSE under the symbol “AEO”. As of March 12, 2012, there were 590 stockholders of record. However, when including associates who own shares through our employee stock purchase plan, and others holding shares in broker accounts under street name, we estimate the stockholder base at approximately 45,000. The following table sets forth the range of high and low closing prices of the common stock as reported on the NYSE during the periods indicated.

 	  	Market Price	 	  	Cash Dividends  per
Common Share	 	
For the Quarters Ended	  	High	 	  	Low	 	  			
January 28, 2012	  	$	15.72	  	  	$	12.89	  	  	$	0.11	  	
October 29, 2011	  	$	13.60	  	  	$	10.17	  	  	$	0.11	  	
July 30, 2011	  	$	15.71	  	  	$	12.49	  	  	$	0.11	  	
April 30, 2011	  	$	16.18	  	  	$	14.46	  	  	$	0.11	  	
January 29, 2011	  	$	17.16	  	  	$	14.02	  	  	$	0.61	  	
October 30, 2010	  	$	17.36	  	  	$	12.04	  	  	$	0.11	  	
July 31, 2010	  	$	17.13	  	  	$	11.60	  	  	$	0.11	  	
May 1, 2010	  	$	19.34	  	  	$	15.73	  	  	$	0.10	  	
During Fiscal 2011 and Fiscal 2010, we paid quarterly dividends as shown in the table above. Cash dividends per common share for the quarter ended January 29, 2011 consisted of a regular quarterly dividend of $0.11 per common share and a special cash dividend of $0.50 per common share. The payment of future dividends is at the discretion of our Board and is based on future earnings, cash flow, financial condition, capital requirements, changes in U.S. taxation and other relevant factors. It is anticipated that any future dividends paid will be declared on a quarterly basis.
 
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Performance Graph
The following Performance Graph and related information shall not be deemed “soliciting material” or to be filed with the SEC, nor shall such information be incorporated by reference into any future filing under the Securities Act of 1933 or Securities Exchange Act of 1934, each as amended, except to the extent that we specifically incorporate it by reference into such filing.
The following graph compares the changes in the cumulative total return to holders of our common stock with that of the S&P Midcap 400 and the Dynamic Retail Intellidex. The comparison of the cumulative total returns for each investment assumes that $100 was invested in our common stock and the respective index on February 3, 2007 and includes reinvestment of all dividends. The plotted points are based on the closing price on the last trading day of the fiscal year indicated.

 
																									
   	  	2/3/07	 	  	2/2/08	 	  	1/31/09	 	  	1/30/10	 	  	1/29/11	 	  	1/28/12	 	
American Eagle Outfitters, Inc.	  	 	100.00	  	  	 	73.96	  	  	 	29.19	  	  	 	52.89	  	  	 	51.49	  	  	 	51.13	  	
S&P Midcap 400	  	 	100.00	  	  	 	97.77	  	  	 	61.62	  	  	 	88.34	  	  	 	117.90	  	  	 	121.10	  	
Dynamic Retail Intellidex	  	 	100.00	  	  	 	90.69	  	  	 	59.97	  	  	 	85.41	  	  	 	114.86	  	  	 	154.71	  	
 
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The following table provides information regarding our repurchases of common stock during  the three months ended January 28, 2012.
Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities

Period	  	Total
Number of
Shares Purchased(1)	 	  	Average
Price  Paid
Per Share(2)	 	  	Total Number  of
Shares Purchased as
Part of Publicly
Announced Programs(1)(3)	 	  	Maximum Number  of
Shares that May
Yet be Purchased
Under the Program(3)	 	
Month #1 (October 30, 2011 through November 26, 2011)	  	 	—	  	  	$	—	  	  	 	—	  	  	 	13,134,545	  	
Month #2 (November 27, 2011 through December 31, 2011)	  	 	—	  	  	$	—	  	  	 	—	  	  	 	13,134,545	  	
Month #3 (January 1, 2012 through January 28, 2012)	  	 	—	  	  	$	—	  	  	 	—	  	  	 	13,134,545	  	
	  	 	 	 	  	 	 	 	  	 	 	 	  	 	 	 	
Total	  	 	—	  	  	$	—	  	  	 	—	  	  	 	13,134,545	  	

(1)	There were no shares repurchased as part of our publicly announced share repurchase program during the three months ended January 28, 2012 and there were no shares repurchased for the payment of taxes in connection with the vesting of share-based payments.	
 
(2)	Average price paid per share excludes any broker commissions paid.	
 
(3)	In January 2008, our Board authorized the repurchase of 60.0 million shares of our common stock. The authorization of the remaining 13.1 million shares that may yet be purchased has been extended through the end of Fiscal 2012.	
The following table sets forth additional information as of the end of Fiscal 2011, about shares of our common stock that may be issued upon the exercise of options and other rights under our existing equity compensation plans and arrangements, divided between plans approved by our stockholders and plans or arrangements not submitted to our stockholders for approval. The information includes the number of shares covered by and the weighted average exercise price of, outstanding options and other rights and the number of shares remaining available for future grants excluding the shares to be issued upon exercise of outstanding options, warrants and other rights.
Equity Compensation Plan Table

 	  	Column (a)	 	  	Column (b)	 	  	Column (c)	 	
 	  	Number of securities
to be issued upon
exercise of outstanding
options,
warrants and rights(1)	 	  	Weighted-average
exercise  price of
outstanding options,
warrants and
rights(1)	 	  	Number of securities
remaining available
for issuance under
equity compensation
plans (excluding
securities reflected
in column (a))(1)	 	
Equity compensation plans approved by stockholders	  	 	11,197,595	  	  	$	15.31	  	  	 	25,251,492	  	
Equity compensation plans not approved by stockholders	  	 	—	  	  	 	—	  	  	 	—	  	
	  	 	 	 	  	 	 	 	  	 	 	 	
Total	  	 	11,197,595	  	  	$	15.31	  	  	 	25,251,492	  	

(1)	Equity compensation plans approved by stockholders include the 1994 Stock Option Plan, the 1999 Stock Incentive Plan and the 2005 Stock Award and Incentive Plan, as amended (the “2005 Plan”).	
 
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 ITEM 6.     SELECTED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL DATA. 
The following Selected Consolidated Financial Data should be read in conjunction with “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations,” included under Item 7 below and the Consolidated Financial Statements and Notes thereto, included in Item 8 below. Most of the selected data presented below is derived from our Consolidated Financial Statements, if applicable, which are filed in response to Item 8 below. The selected Consolidated Statement of Operations data for the years ended January 31, 2009 and February 2, 2008 and the selected Consolidated Balance Sheet data as of January 30, 2010, January 31, 2009 and February 2, 2008 are derived from audited Consolidated Financial Statements not included herein.

 	 	For the Years Ended(1)	 	
   	 	January 28,
         2012        	 	 	January 29,
         2011        	 	 	January 30,
         2010        	 	 	January 31,
         2009        	 	 	February 2,
         2008        	 	
 	 	(In thousands, except per share amounts, ratios and other financial information)	 	
Summary of Operations (2) 	 				 				 				 				 				
Net sales	 	$	3,159,818	  	 	$	2,967,559	  	 	$	2,940,269	  	 	$	2,948,679	  	 	$	3,041,158	  	
Comparable store sales increase (decrease)(3)	 	 	3	% 	 	 	(1	)% 	 	 	(4	)% 	 	 	(10	)% 	 	 	1	% 	
Gross profit	 	$	1,128,341	  	 	$	1,170,959	  	 	$	1,173,430	  	 	$	1,197,186	  	 	$	1,438,236	  	
Gross profit as a percentage of net sales	 	 	35.7	% 	 	 	39.5	% 	 	 	39.9	% 	 	 	40.6	% 	 	 	47.3	% 	
Operating income	 	$	231,136	  	 	$	317,261	  	 	$	310,392	  	 	$	382,797	  	 	$	652,201	  	
Operating income as a percentage of net sales	 	 	7.3	% 	 	 	10.7	% 	 	 	10.6	% 	 	 	13.0	% 	 	 	21.4	% 	
Income from continuing operations	 	$	151,705	  	 	$	181,934	  	 	$	213,398	  	 	$	229,984	  	 	$	433,507	  	
Income from continuing operations as a percentage of net sales	 	 	4.8	% 	 	 	6.1	% 	 	 	7.3	% 	 	 	7.8	% 	 	 	14.3	% 	
Per Share Results	 				 				 				 				 				
Income from continuing operations per common share-basic	 	$	0.78	  	 	$	0.91	  	 	$	1.04	  	 	$	1.12	  	 	$	2.01	  	
Income from continuing operations per common share-diluted	 	$	0.77	  	 	$	0.90	  	 	$	1.02	  	 	$	1.11	  	 	$	1.97	  	
Weighted average common shares outstanding — basic	 	 	194,445	  	 	 	199,979	  	 	 	206,171	  	 	 	205,169	  	 	 	216,119	  	
Weighted average common shares outstanding — diluted	 	 	196,314	  	 	 	201,818	  	 	 	209,512	  	 	 	207,582	  	 	 	220,280	  	
Cash dividends per common share	 	$	0.44	  	 	$	0.93	  	 	$	0.40	  	 	$	0.40	  	 	$	0.38	  	
Balance Sheet Information	 				 				 				 				 				
Total cash and short-term investments	 	$	745,044	  	 	$	734,695	  	 	$	698,635	  	 	$	483,853	  	 	$	619,939	  	
Long-term investments	 	$	847	  	 	$	5,915	  	 	$	197,773	  	 	$	251,007	  	 	$	165,810	  	
Total assets	 	$	1,950,802	  	 	$	1,879,998	  	 	$	2,138,148	  	 	$	1,963,676	  	 	$	1,867,680	  	
Short-term debt	 	$	—	  	 	$	—	  	 	$	30,000	  	 	$	75,000	  	 	$	—	  	
Long-term debt	 	$	—	  	 	$	—	  	 	$	—	  	 	$	—	  	 	$	—	  	
Stockholders’ equity	 	$	1,416,851	  	 	$	1,351,071	  	 	$	1,578,517	  	 	$	1,409,031	  	 	$	1,340,464	  	
Working capital	 	$	882,087	  	 	$	786,573	  	 	$	758,075	  	 	$	523,596	  	 	$	644,656	  	
Current ratio	 	 	3.18	  	 	 	3.03	  	 	 	2.85	  	 	 	2.30	  	 	 	2.71	  	
Average return on stockholders’ equity	 	 	11.0	% 	 	 	9.6	% 	 	 	11.3	% 	 	 	13.0	% 	 	 	29.0	% 	
 
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 	 	For the Years Ended(1)	 	
   	 	January 28,
         2012        	 	 	January 29,
         2011        	 	 	January 30,
         2010        	 	 	January 31,
         2009        	 	 	February 2,
         2008        	 	
 	 	(In thousands, except per share amounts, ratios and other financial information)	 	
Other Financial Information (2) 	 				 				 				 				 				
Total stores at year-end	 	 	1,090	  	 	 	1,086	  	 	 	1,075	  	 	 	1,070	  	 	 	968	  	
Capital expenditures	 	$	100,135	  	 	$	84,259	  	 	$	127,080	  	 	$	243,564	  	 	$	249,640	  	
Net sales per average selling square foot(4)	 	$	545	  	 	$	524	  	 	$	526	  	 	$	563	  	 	$	644	  	
Total selling square feet at end of period	 	 	5,115,770	  	 	 	5,067,489	  	 	 	4,981,595	  	 	 	4,920,285	  	 	 	4,492,198	  	
Net sales per average gross square foot(4)	 	$	436	  	 	$	420	  	 	$	422	  	 	$	452	  	 	$	522	  	
Total gross square feet at end of period	 	 	6,398,034	  	 	 	6,339,469	  	 	 	6,215,355	  	 	 	6,139,663	  	 	 	5,581,769	  	
Number of employees at end of period	 	 	39,600	  	 	 	39,900	  	 	 	38,800	  	 	 	36,900	  	 	 	38,400	  	

(1)	All fiscal years presented include 52 weeks.	
 
(2)	All amounts presented are from continuing operations and exclude MARTIN+OSA’s results of operations for all periods. Refer to Note 15 to the accompanying Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information regarding the discontinued operations of MARTIN+OSA.	
 
(3)	The comparable store sales increase for the period ended February 2, 2008 is compared to the corresponding 52 week period in Fiscal 2006.	
 
(4)	Net sales per average square foot is calculated using retail store sales for the year divided by the straight average of the beginning and ending square footage for the year.	
 
 ITEM 7.	MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS.	
The following discussion and analysis of financial condition and results of operations are based upon our Consolidated Financial Statements and should be read in conjunction with those statements and notes thereto.
This report contains various “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, which represent our expectations or beliefs concerning future events, including the following:
 
 	•	 	the planned opening of approximately 14 new American Eagle stores and one new 77kids store during Fiscal 2012;	
 
 	•	 	the selection of approximately 100 American Eagle stores in the United States and Canada for remodeling and refurbishing during Fiscal 2012;	
 
 	•	 	the potential closure of approximately 20 to 30 American Eagle stores in the United States and Canada during Fiscal 2012;	
 
 	•	 	the planned opening of approximately 31 new franchised American Eagle stores during Fiscal 2012;	
 
 	•	 	the success of aerie by American Eagle and aerie.com;	
 
 	•	 	the success of 77kids by american eagle and 77kids.com;	
 
 	•	 	the expected payment of a dividend in future periods;	
 
 	•	 	the possibility of engaging in future franchise agreements, growth through acquisitions, and/or internally developing additional new brands;	
 
 	•	 	the possibility that our credit facilities may not be available for future borrowings;	
 
 	•	 	the possibility that rising prices of raw materials, labor, energy and other inputs to our manufacturing process, if unmitigated, will continue to have a significant impact to our profitability; and	
 
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 	•	 	the possibility that we may be required to take additional store impairment charges related to underperforming stores.	
We caution that these forward-looking statements, and those described elsewhere in this report, involve material risks and uncertainties and are subject to change based on factors beyond our control, as discussed within Part I, Item 1A of this Form 10-K. Accordingly, our future performance and financial results may differ materially from those expressed or implied in any such forward-looking statement.
Critical Accounting Policies
Our Consolidated Financial Statements are prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States (“GAAP”), which require us to make estimates and assumptions that may affect the reported financial condition and results of operations should actual results differ from these estimates. We base our estimates and assumptions on the best available information and believe them to be reasonable for the circumstances. We believe that of our significant accounting policies, the following involve a higher degree of judgment and complexity. Refer to Note 2 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for a complete discussion of our significant accounting policies. Management has reviewed these critical accounting policies and estimates with the Audit Committee of our Board.
Revenue Recognition.     We record revenue for store sales upon the purchase of merchandise by customers. Our e-commerce operation records revenue upon the estimated customer receipt date of the merchandise. 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.
Revenue is recorded net of estimated and actual sales returns and deductions for coupon redemptions and other promotions. The estimated sales return reserve is based on projected merchandise returns determined through the use of historical average return percentages. We do not believe there is a reasonable likelihood that there will be a material change in the future estimates or assumptions we use to calculate our sales return reserve. However, if the actual rate of sales returns increases significantly, our operating results could be adversely affected.
We estimate gift card breakage and recognize revenue in proportion to actual gift card redemptions as a component of net sales. We determine 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.
We recognize royalty revenue generated from our franchise agreements based upon a percentage of merchandise sales by the franchisee. This revenue is recorded as a component of net sales when earned.
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 merchandise is delivered to the foreign shipping port by the manufacturer (FOB port). This is the point at which title and risk of loss transfer to us.
We review our inventory in order to identify slow-moving merchandise and generally use markdowns to clear merchandise. Additionally, we estimate a markdown reserve for future planned markdowns related to current inventory. If 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, additional markdowns may be necessary. These markdowns may have a material adverse impact on earnings, depending on the extent and amount of inventory affected.
We estimate an inventory shrinkage reserve for anticipated losses for the period between the last physical count and the balance sheet date. The estimate for the shrinkage reserve is calculated based on historical
 
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percentages and can be affected by changes in merchandise mix and changes in actual shrinkage trends. We do not believe there is a reasonable likelihood that there will be a material change in the future estimates or assumptions we use to calculate our inventory shrinkage reserve. However, if actual physical inventory losses differ significantly from our estimate, our operating results could be adversely affected.
Asset Impairment.     In accordance with Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) Accounting Standard Codification (“ASC”) 360, Property, Plant, and Equipment , we evaluate long-lived assets for impairment at the individual store level, which is the lowest level at which individual cash flows can be identified. Impairment losses are recorded on long-lived assets used in operations when events and circumstances indicate that the assets might be impaired and the undiscounted cash flows estimated to be generated by those assets are less than the carrying amounts of the assets. When events such as these occur, the impaired assets are adjusted to their estimated fair value and an impairment loss is recorded separately as a component of operating income under loss on impairment of assets.
Our impairment loss calculations require management to make assumptions and to apply judgment to estimate future cash flows and asset fair values, including forecasting useful lives of the assets and selecting the discount rate that reflects the risk inherent in future cash flows. We do not believe there is a reasonable likelihood that there will be a material change in the estimates or assumptions we use to calculate long-lived asset impairment losses. However, if actual results are not consistent with our estimates and assumptions, our operating results could be adversely affected.
Investment Securities.     In accordance with ASC 820, Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures (“ASC 820”), we measure our investment securities using Level 1, Level 2 and Level 3 inputs. Level 1 and Level 2 inputs are valued using quoted market prices while we use a discounted cash flow (“DCF”) model to determine the fair value of our Level 3 investments. The assumptions in our DCF model include different recovery periods depending on the type of security and varying discount factors for yield and illiquidity. These assumptions are subjective and they are based on our current judgment and our view of current market conditions. The use of different assumptions would result in a different valuation and related charge. Future adverse changes in market conditions, continued poor operating results of underlying investments or other factors could result in further losses that may not be reflected in an investment’s current carrying value, possibly requiring an additional net impairment loss recognized in earnings in the future.
We evaluate our investments for impairment in accordance with ASC 320, Investments – Debt and Equity Securities (“ASC 320”). ASC 320 provides guidance for determining when an investment is considered impaired, whether impairment is other-than-temporary, and measurement of an impairment loss. An investment is considered impaired if the fair value of the investment is less than its cost. If, after consideration of all available evidence to evaluate the realizable value of its investment, impairment is determined to be other-than-temporary, then an impairment loss is recognized in the Consolidated Statement of Operations equal to the difference between the investment’s cost and its fair value. Additionally, ASC 320 requires additional disclosures relating to debt and equity securities both in the interim and annual periods as well as requires us to present total other-than-temporary impairment (“OTTI”) with an offsetting reduction for any non-credit loss impairment amount recognized in other comprehensive income (“OCI”).
Share-Based Payments.     We account for share-based payments in accordance with the provisions of ASC 718, Compensation — Stock Compensation (“ASC 718”). To determine the fair value of our stock option awards, we use the Black-Scholes option pricing model, which requires management to apply judgment and make assumptions to determine the fair value of our awards. These assumptions include estimating the length of time employees will retain their vested stock options before exercising them (the “expected term”) and the estimated volatility of the price of our common stock over the expected term.
We calculate a weighted-average expected term based on historical experience. Expected stock price volatility is based on a combination of historical volatility of our common stock and implied volatility. We chose
 
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to use a combination of historical and implied volatility as we believe that this combination is more representative of future stock price trends than historical volatility alone. Changes in these assumptions can materially affect the estimate of the fair value of our share-based payments and the related amount recognized in our Consolidated Financial Statements.
Income Taxes.     We calculate income taxes in accordance with ASC 740, Income Taxes (“ASC 740”), which requires the use of the asset and liability method. Under this method, deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized based on the difference between the Consolidated Financial Statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases as computed pursuant to ASC 740. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using the tax rates, based on certain judgments regarding enacted tax laws and published guidance, in effect in the years when those temporary differences are expected to reverse. A valuation allowance is established against the deferred tax assets when it is more likely than not that some portion or all of the deferred taxes may not be realized. Changes in our level and composition of earnings, tax laws or the deferred tax valuation allowance, as well as the results of tax audits, may materially impact the effective income tax rate.
We evaluate our 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. We believe that our 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.
Key Performance Indicators
Our management evaluates the following items, which are considered key performance indicators, in assessing our performance:
Comparable store sales — Comparable store sales provide a measure of sales growth for stores open at least one year over the comparable prior year period. In fiscal years following those with 53 weeks, including Fiscal 2007, the prior year period is shifted by one week to compare similar calendar weeks. A store is included in comparable store sales in the thirteenth month of operation. However, stores that have a gross square footage increase of 25% or greater due to a remodel are removed from the comparable store sales base, but are included in total sales. These stores are returned to the comparable store sales base in the thirteenth month following the remodel. Sales from American Eagle, aerie and 77kids stores are included in comparable store sales. Sales from AEO Direct and franchise stores are not included in comparable store sales.
Our management considers comparable store sales to be an important indicator of our current performance. Comparable store sales results are important to achieve leveraging of our costs, including store payroll, store supplies, rent, etc. Comparable store sales also have a direct impact on our total net sales, cash and working capital.
Gross profit  — Gross profit measures whether we are optimizing the price and inventory levels of our merchandise and achieving an optimal level of sales. Gross profit is the difference between net sales and cost of sales. Cost of sales consists of: merchandise costs, including design, sourcing, importing and inbound freight costs, as well as markdowns, shrinkage, certain promotional costs and buying, occupancy and warehousing costs. Buying, occupancy and warehousing costs consist of: compensation, employee benefit expenses and travel 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
 
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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. Merchandise profit is the difference between net sales and merchandise costs. The inability to obtain acceptable levels of sales, initial markups or any significant increase in our use of markdowns could have an adverse effect on our gross profit and results of operations.
Operating income  — Our management views operating income as a key indicator of our success. The key drivers of operating income are comparable store sales, gross profit, our ability to control selling, general and administrative expenses and our level of capital expenditures.
Store productivity  — Store productivity, including net sales per average square foot, sales per productive hour, average unit retail price (“AUR”), conversion rate, the number of transactions per store, the number of units sold per store and the number of units per transaction, is evaluated by our management in assessing our operational performance.
Inventory turnover  — Our management evaluates inventory turnover as a measure of how productively inventory is bought and sold. Inventory turnover is important as it can signal slow moving inventory. This can be critical in determining the need to take markdowns on merchandise.
Cash flow and liquidity  — Our management evaluates cash flow from operations, investing and financing in determining the sufficiency of our cash position. Cash flow from operations has historically been sufficient to cover our uses of cash. Our management believes that cash flow from operations will be sufficient to fund anticipated capital  expenditures and working capital requirements.
Results of Operations
Overview
We delivered positive top-line sales performance as a result of investments in key categories and a revenue driving promotional strategy in the fourth quarter. Total comparable stores sales for the year increased 3%, in contrast to the 4% decrease recorded in the first half of the year, driven by the 10% comparable store sales growth in the fourth quarter. For the year, AE comparable store sales increased 3%, aerie comparable store sales increased 2% and sales for AEO Direct increased 15%.
The increased sales levels partially offset higher product costs. Increased product costs and our second half promotional activity resulted in pressure on merchandise margin for the year, which declined 360 basis points as a rate to sales. Operating expenses were well controlled leading to 70 basis points of improvement in selling, general and administrative expense as a rate to sales. SG&A dollars increased due to variable expense related to the sales increase and planned investments in advertising.
Operating income for the year was $231.1 million, which includes $20.7 million in store impairment charges and $5.5 million of executive transition costs. Income from continuing operations was $0.77 per diluted share, and includes a $0.07 per diluted share impact from the store impairment and a $0.02 per diluted share impact from executive transition costs. This compares to income from continuing operations of $0.90 per diluted share last year, which includes a realized loss from the sale of investment securities of $0.12 per diluted share.
We ended Fiscal 2011 with $745.9 million in cash, short-term and long-term investments, an increase of $5.3 million from last year. During the year, we generated $239.3 million of cash from operations. The cash from operations was offset by $100.1 million of capital expenditures, a $34.2 million purchase of intangible assets, and value returned to shareholders through share repurchases of $15.2 million and dividend payments of $85.6 million. Merchandise inventory at the end of Fiscal 2011 was $378.4 million, an increase of 24% on a cost per square foot basis. The increase reflects a high single-digit increase in the ending average cost per unit driven by increased cotton costs.
 
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The following table shows, for the periods indicated, the percentage relationship to net sales of the listed items included in our Consolidated Statements of Operations.

 	  	For the Fiscal Years Ended	 	
 	  	January 29,
2012	 	 	January 29,
2011	 	 	January 30,
2010	 	
Net sales	  	 	100.0	% 	 	 	100.0	% 	 	 	100.0	% 	
Cost of sales, including certain buying, occupancy and warehousing expenses	  	 	64.3	  	 	 	60.5	  	 	 	60.1	  	
	  	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
Gross profit	  	 	35.7	  	 	 	39.5	  	 	 	39.9	  	
Selling, general and administrative expenses	  	 	23.3	  	 	 	24.0	  	 	 	24.6	  	
Loss on impairment of assets	  	 	0.7	  	 	 	—	  	 	 	—	  	
Depreciation and amortization expense	  	 	4.4	  	 	 	4.8	  	 	 	4.7	  	
	  	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
Operating income	  	 	7.3	  	 	 	10.7	  	 	 	10.6	  	
Realized loss on sale of investment securities	  	 	—	  	 	 	(0.8	) 	 	 	(0.1	) 	
Other income (expense), net	  	 	0.2	  	 	 	—	  	 	 	(0.1	) 	
	  	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
Income before income taxes	  	 	7.5	  	 	 	9.9	  	 	 	10.4	  	
Provision for income taxes	  	 	2.7	  	 	 	3.8	  	 	 	3.1	  	
	  	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
Income from continuing operations	  	 	4.8	  	 	 	6.1	  	 	 	7.3	  	
Loss from discontinued operations, net of tax	  	 	—	  	 	 	(1.4	) 	 	 	(1.5	) 	
	  	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
Net income	  	 	4.8	% 	 	 	4.7	% 	 	 	5.8	% 	
	  	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
Our operations are conducted in one reportable segment, which includes our 911 U.S. and Canadian AE retail stores, 158 aerie by American Eagle retail stores, 21 77kids by american eagle retail stores and AEO Direct, as of January 28, 2012.
Comparison of Fiscal 2011 to Fiscal 2010
Net Sales
Net sales increased 6% to $3.160 billion compared to $2.968 billion last year. For Fiscal 2011, comparable stores sales increased 3% compared to a 1% decrease last year. By brand, AE comparable store sales increased 3% and aerie increased 2%. AEO Direct sales increased 15%. AE men’s comparable store sales increased in the mid single-digits and AE women’s comparable store sales increased in the low single-digits.
For the year, a mid single-digit increase in transactions and a low single-digit increase in AUR, slightly offset by a low single-digit decrease in the units per transaction, contributed to the overall 3% comparable store sales increase.
Gross Profit
Gross profit decreased 4% to $1.128 billion from $1.171 billion in Fiscal 2010. Gross profit as a percent to net sales decreased by 380 basis points to 35.7% from 39.5% last year. The percentage decrease was attributed to a 360 basis point decrease in merchandise margin and a 20 basis point increase in buying, occupancy and warehousing costs, as a percent to net sales. The decrease in merchandise margin was primarily the result of average unit cost increases, driven by higher product costs, and increased markdowns from our promotional activity. Buying, occupancy and warehousing expenses increased as a rate to sales as a result of the impact of increased rent, partially offset by the 3% increase in comparable store sales for the year.
There was $5.5 million of share-based payment expense, consisting of time-based awards, included in gross profit this year compared to $8.4 million last year.
 
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Our gross profit may not be comparable to that of other retailers, as some retailers include all costs related to their distribution network, as well as design costs in cost of sales. Other retailers may exclude a portion of these costs from cost of sales, including them in a line item such as selling, general and administrative expenses. Refer to Note 2 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for a description of our accounting policy regarding cost of sales, including certain buying, occupancy and warehousing expenses.
Selling, General and Administrative Expenses
Selling, general and administrative expense increased 3% to $735.8 million, compared to $713.2 million last year, and includes $5.5 million of executive transition costs. As a rate to net sales, selling, general and administrative expenses improved 70 basis points to 23.3%, compared to 24.0% last year. Expense reduction efforts, partially offset by new store growth, variable expense related to the sales increase and a planned investment in advertising contributed to the improvement in the rate.
There was $6.9 million of share-based payment expense, consisting of time-based awards, included in selling, general and administrative expenses this year compared to $17.1 million last year.
Loss on Impairment of Assets
The loss on impairment of assets of $20.7 million resulted from our evaluation of under performing stores which exhibited an unanticipated increase in negative cash flow trends driven by fourth quarter 2011 results. This impairment consisted of 59 retail stores, largely related to the aerie brand.
Depreciation and Amortization Expense
Depreciation and amortization expense increased slightly to $140.6 million from $140.5 million last year. This increase is primarily due to a greater property and equipment base driven by our level of capital expenditures, partially offset by disposals related to 29 store closures during the year. As a percent to net sales, depreciation and amortization expense decreased to 4.4% from 4.8% as a result of higher comparable store sales for the period.
Realized Loss on Sale of Investment Securities
There was no realized loss on sale of investment securities this year, compared to $24.4 million, or $0.12 per diluted share, last year. The loss in Fiscal 2010 was primarily due to the liquidation of 95% of our Auction Rate Security investment portfolio.
Other Income, Net
Other income, net increased to $5.9 million from $2.2 million last year. The change is primarily due to additional proceeds received from the ARS Call Option this year.
Provision for Income Taxes
The effective income tax rate from continuing operations decreased to approximately 36.0% in Fiscal 2011 from 38.3% in Fiscal 2010. The higher effective income tax rate in Fiscal 2010 was primarily due to losses on the sale of certain ARS investments for which no income tax benefit was recognized.
Refer to Note 14 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information regarding our accounting for income taxes.
Income from Continuing Operations
Income from continuing operations for Fiscal 2011 was $151.7 million, or $0.77 per diluted share, and includes a $0.07 per diluted share impact related to store impairment charges and a $0.02 per diluted share
 
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impact related to executive transition costs. Income from continuing operations for Fiscal 2010 was $181.9 million, or $0.90 per diluted share, and includes a $0.12 per diluted share loss from the sale of investment securities related to our ARS liquidation.
Loss from Discontinued Operations
We completed the closure of M+O stores and related e-commerce operations during Fiscal 2010. Accordingly, the after-tax operating results appear in Loss from Discontinued Operations on the Consolidated Statements of Operations for all periods presented. Loss from Discontinued Operations, net of tax, was $41.3 million for Fiscal 2010. The Loss from Discontinued Operations for Fiscal 2010 includes pre-tax closure charges of $43.4 million. Included in the pre-tax charges were $15.4 million of lease-related items, $7.6 million for severance and other employee-related charges, $2.4 million in inventory charges and a non-cash asset impairment charge of $18.0 million. There was no loss from discontinued operations during Fiscal 2011.
Refer to Note 15 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information regarding the discontinued operations of M+O.
Net Income
Net income increased to $151.7 million in Fiscal 2011 from $140.6 million in Fiscal 2010. As a percent to net sales, net income was 4.8% and 4.7% for Fiscal 2011 and Fiscal 2010, respectively. Net income per diluted share was $0.77, compared to $0.70 last year. The increase in net income was attributable to the factors noted above.
Comparison of Fiscal 2010 to Fiscal 2009
Net Sales
Net sales increased 1% to $2.968 billion compared to $2.940 billion in Fiscal 2009. For Fiscal 2010, comparable stores sales decreased 1%, compared to a 4% decrease in Fiscal 2009. AE men’s and women’s comparable store sales both declined in the low-single digits compared to Fiscal 2009. A decrease in the number of transactions was driven by lower traffic, partially offset by a slight increase in customer conversion.
Gross Profit
Gross profit decreased slightly to $1.171 billion from $1.173 billion in Fiscal 2009. Gross profit as a percent to net sales decreased by 40 basis points to 39.5% from 39.9%. The percentage decrease was attributed to a 50 basis point increase in buying, occupancy and warehousing costs as a percent to net sales, partially offset by a 10 basis point improvement in merchandise margin as a rate to sales. Buying, occupancy and warehousing expenses increased as a rate to sales as a result of negative comparable store sales and the impact of new store openings.
Share-based payment expense included in gross profit decreased to approximately $8.4 million compared to $11.6 million in Fiscal 2009.
Our gross profit may not be comparable to that of other retailers, as some retailers include all costs related to their distribution network, as well as design costs in cost of sales. Other retailers may exclude a portion of these costs from cost of sales, including them in a line item such as selling, general and administrative expenses. Refer to Note 2 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for a description of our accounting policy regarding cost of sales, including certain buying, occupancy and warehousing expenses.
Selling, General and Administrative Expenses
Selling, general and administrative expense decreased 2% to $713.2 million compared to $725.3 million in Fiscal 2009. The decrease was due to a combination of reduced incentive compensation expense recorded in the year, as well as the net savings resulting from our corporate profit initiative.
 
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Share-based payment expense included in selling, general and administrative expense decreased to $17.1 million compared to $23.0 million in Fiscal 2009.
Depreciation and Amortization Expense
Depreciation and amortization expense increased 2% to $140.5 million from $137.8 million in Fiscal 2009. This increase is primarily due to a greater property and equipment base driven by our level of capital expenditures. As a percent to net sales, depreciation and amortization expense increased to 4.8% from 4.7% due to the increased expense as well as the impact of the comparable store sales decline.
Realized Loss on Sale of Investment Securities
The realized loss on sale of investment securities was $24.4 million, or approximately $0.12 per diluted share, for Fiscal 2010. This compares to a loss of $2.7 million, or $0.01 per diluted share, in Fiscal 2009.
The loss in Fiscal 2010 was primarily due to the liquidation of 95% of our ARS investment portfolio. Our ARS investment portfolio was originally purchased as highly liquid short-term instruments. Due to the deterioration of the ARS market and ARS investments experiencing failed auctions or long-term auction resets, our ARS investment portfolio was subsequently classified as long-term, with a weighted average contractual maturity of approximately 26 years. This liquidation allowed us to convert substantially our entire ARS investment portfolio to short-term liquid assets, with total cash proceeds of $149.6 million plus accrued interest and a net realized loss of $24.2 million for the liquidation.
Additionally, in the first half of Fiscal 2010, we liquidated $28.1 million of ARS investments for proceeds of $27.9 million and a total realized loss of $0.2 million.
Other Income (Expense), Net
Other income (expense), net increased to $2.2 million from $(3.3) million in Fiscal 2009, due primarily to a non-cash, non-operating foreign currency loss related to holding U.S. dollars in our Canadian subsidiary in anticipation of repatriation recorded in Fiscal 2009.
Provision for Income Taxes
The effective income tax rate from continuing operations increased to approximately 38.3% in Fiscal 2010 from 29.9% in Fiscal 2009. The lower effective income tax rate in Fiscal 2009 was primarily the result of the tax benefit associated with the repatriation of foreign earnings from Canada as well as federal and state income tax settlements and other changes in income tax reserves. Additionally, the Fiscal 2010 effective income tax rate was higher due to losses on the sale of certain ARS investments in which no income tax benefit was recognized. The repatriation of foreign earnings from Canada in Fiscal 2009 was a discrete event and has not changed the Company’s intention to indefinitely reinvest the earnings of our Canadian subsidiaries to the extent not repatriated.
Refer to Note 14 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information regarding our accounting for income taxes.
Income From Continuing Operations
Income from continuing operations for Fiscal 2010 was $181.9 million, or $0.90 per diluted share, and includes a $0.12 per diluted share loss from the sale of investment securities related to our ARS liquidation as discussed above. Income from continuing operations for Fiscal 2009 was $213.4 million, or $1.02 per diluted share, and includes $0.11 per diluted share of tax benefits and a $0.01 per diluted share realized loss on the sale of investment securities.
 
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Loss from Discontinued Operations
We completed the closure of M+O stores and its related e-commerce operations during Fiscal 2010. Accordingly, the after-tax operating results and closure charges appear in Loss from Discontinued Operations on the Consolidated Statements of Operations for all periods presented. Loss from Discontinued Operations, net of tax, was $41.3 million and $44.4 million for Fiscal 2010 and Fiscal 2009, respectively. The Loss from Discontinued Operations for Fiscal 2010 includes pre-tax closure charges of $43.4 million. Included in the pre-tax charges were $15.4 million of lease-related items, $7.6 million for severance and other employee-related charges, $2.4 million in inventory charges and a non-cash asset impairment charge of $18.0 million.
Refer to Note 15 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information regarding the discontinued operations of M+O.
Net Income
Net income decreased to $140.6 million in Fiscal 2010 from $169.0 million in Fiscal 2009. As a percent to net sales, net income was 4.7% and 5.8% for Fiscal 2010 and Fiscal 2009, respectively. Net income per diluted share was $0.70 compared to $0.81 in Fiscal 2009. The decrease in net income was attributable to the factors noted above.
Fiscal 2012 Outlook
Looking ahead to Fiscal 2012, we will focus on sustaining competitive top-line growth through merchandise improvements, increasing inventory productivity to deliver higher margins, and leveraging our assets. While product cost inflation will pressure merchandise margins in the first half of Fiscal 2012, we expect lower product costs to benefit margins in the second half. Additionally, we expect inventories to moderate as we approach mid-year and decline in the second half. We believe that our current cash holdings and cash generated from operations in Fiscal 2011 will be sufficient to fund anticipated capital expenditures and working capital requirements.
Fair Value Measurements
ASC 820 defines fair value, establishes a framework for measuring fair value in accordance with GAAP, and expands disclosures about fair value measurements. Fair value is defined under ASC 820 as the exit price associated with the sale of an asset or transfer of a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date.
Financial Instruments
Valuation techniques used to measure fair value under ASC 820 must maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs. In addition, ASC 820 establishes a three-tier fair value hierarchy, which prioritizes the inputs used in measuring fair value. The tiers include:
 
 	•	 	Level 1  — Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities.	
 
 	•	 	Level 2 — Inputs other than Level 1 that are observable, either directly or indirectly, such as quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities; quoted prices in markets that are not active; or other inputs that are observable or can be corroborated by observable market data for substantially the full term of the assets or liabilities.	
 
 	•	 	Level 3 — Unobservable inputs (i.e., projections, estimates, interpretations, etc.) that are supported by little or no market activity and that are significant to the fair value of the assets or liabilities.	
As of January 28, 2012, we held certain assets that are required to be measured at fair value on a recurring basis. These include cash equivalents and short and long-term investments, including ARS.
 
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In accordance with ASC 820, the following table represents the fair value hierarchy for our financial assets (cash equivalents and investments) measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of January 28, 2012:

 	  	Fair Value Measurements at January 28, 2012	 	
 	  	Carrying Amount	 	 	Quoted Market
Prices in  Active
Markets for
Identical Assets
(Level 1)	 	 	Significant Other
Observable  Inputs
(Level 2)	 	 	Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
(Level 3)	 	
 	  	(In thousands)	 	
Cash and cash equivalents	  				 				 				 				
Cash	  	$	548,728	  	 	$	548,728	  	 	$	—	  	 	$	—	  	
Money-market	  	 	131,785	  	 	 	131,785	  	 	 	—	  	 	 	—	  	
Commercial paper	  	 	29,998	  	 	 	29,998	  	 	 	—	  	 	 	—	  	
Treasury bills	  	 	9,034	  	 	 	9,034	  	 	 	—	  	 	 	—	  	
	  	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
Total cash and cash equivalents	  	$	719,545	  	 	$	719,545	  	 	$	—	  	 	$	—	  	
Short-term investments	  				 				 				 				
Treasury bills	  	$	19,999	  	 	$	19,999	  	 	$	—	  	 	$	—	  	
State and local government ARS	  	 	5,500	  	 	 	—	  	 	 	—	  	 	 	5,500	  	
	  	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
Total short-term investments	  	$	25,499	  	 	$	19,999	  	 	$	—	  	 	$	5,500	  	
Long-term investments	  				 				 				 				
ARS Call Option	  	$	847	  	 	$	—	  	 	$	—	  	 	$	847	  	
	  	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
Total long-term investments	  	$	847	  	 	$	—	  	 	$	—	  	 	$	847	  	
	  	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
Total	  	$	745,891	  	 	$	739,544	  	 	$	—	  	 	$	6,347	  	
	  	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
Percent to total	  	 	100.0	% 	 	 	99.1	% 	 	 	—	% 	 	 	0.9	% 	
	  	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
We used a discounted cash flow (“DCF”) model to value our Level 3 investments. For Fiscal 2011, the assumptions in our model for Level 3 investments, excluding the ARS Call Option, included a recovery period of five months, a discount factor for yield of 0.1% and illiquidity of 0.5%. These assumptions are subjective. They are based on our current judgment and our view of current market conditions. The use of different assumptions (i.e., an increase in the recovery period by one year or an increase to the discount rate and illiquidity premium of 100 basis points) would not result in a material change to the valuation.
The fair value of the ARS Call Option described in Note 3 to the Consolidated Financial Statements was also estimated using a discounted cash flow model. The model considered potential changes in yields for securities with similar characteristics to the underlying ARS and evaluated possible future refinancing opportunities of the issuers of the ARS. The analysis then assessed the likelihood that the options would be exercisable as a result of the underlying ARS being redeemed or traded in a secondary market at an amount greater than the exercise price prior to the end of the option term. Future changes in the fair values of the ARS Call Option will be recorded within the Consolidated Statements of Operations.
Refer to Notes 3 and 4 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information on our investment securities, including a description of the securities and a discussion of the  uncertainties relating to their liquidity.
Liquidity and Capital Resources
Our uses of cash are generally for working capital, the construction of new stores and remodeling of existing stores, information technology upgrades, distribution center improvements and expansion, the purchase of both short and long-term investments, the repurchase of common stock and the payment of dividends. Historically,
 
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these uses of cash have been funded with cash flow from operations and existing cash on hand. Additionally, our uses of cash include the development of the aerie and 77kids brands. We expect to be able to fund our future cash requirements in the U.S. and Canada through current cash holdings as well as cash generated from operations. In the future, we expect that our uses of cash will also include further development of the aerie and 77kids brands.
Our growth strategy includes internally developing new brands and the possibility of further international expansion or acquisitions. We periodically consider and evaluate these options to support future growth. In the event we do pursue such options, we could require additional equity or debt financing. There can be no assurance that we would be successful in closing any potential transaction, or that any endeavor we undertake would increase our profitability.
The following sets forth certain measures of our liquidity:

 	  	January 28,
2012	 	  	January 29,
2011	 	
Working Capital (in 000’s)	  	$	882,087	  	  	$	786,573	  	
Current Ratio	  	 	3.18	  	  	 	3.03	  	
The $95.5 million increase in our working capital and corresponding increase in the current ratio as of January 28, 2012 compared to January 29, 2011, resulted primarily from net income, net of non-cash adjustments, offset by the use of cash for investing and financing activities. Investing and financing activities include capital expenditures, the purchase of intangible assets, the payment of dividends and the repurchase of common stock.
Cash Flows from Operating Activities of Continuing Operations
Net cash provided by operating activities totaled $239.3 million during Fiscal 2011 compared to $402.6 million during Fiscal 2010 and $400.3 million during Fiscal 2009. Our major source of cash from operations was merchandise sales. Our primary outflows of cash from operations were for the purchase of merchandise inventory and the payment of operational costs. Merchandise inventory at the end of Fiscal 2011 was $378.4 million, an increase of 24% on a cost per foot basis. The increase reflects a high single-digit increase in the ending average cost per unit driven by higher product costs.
Cash Flows from Investing Activities of Continuing Operations
Investing activities for Fiscal 2011 included $100.1 million in capital expenditures for property and equipment, $34.2 million for the acquisition of intangible assets primarily related to our international expansion strategy and $193.9 million of investment purchases, partially offset by $240.8 million of proceeds from the sale of investments classified as available-for-sale. Investing activities for Fiscal 2010 included $177.5 million of proceeds from the sale of investments classified as available for sale, partially offset by $84.3 million used for capital expenditures and $62.8 million for the purchase of short-term investments. Investing activities for Fiscal 2009 included $127.1 million for capital expenditures, partially offset by $80.4 million from the sale of investments classified as available-for-sale. For further information on capital expenditures, refer to the Capital Expenditures for Property and Equipment caption below.
Cash Flows from Financing Activities of Continuing Operations
During Fiscal 2011, cash used for financing activities resulted primarily from $85.6 million for the payment of dividends and $15.2 million for the repurchase of 1.4 million shares as part of our publicly announced repurchase program. During Fiscal 2010, cash used for financing activities resulted primarily from $216.1 million for the repurchase of 15.5 million shares as part of our publicly announced repurchase program, $183.2 million for the payment of dividends, $30.0 million for the full repayment of our demand line borrowings and $18.0 million for the repurchase of common stock from employees for the payment of taxes in connection with the vesting of share-based payments. During Fiscal 2009, cash used for financing activities resulted primarily from $83.0 million used for the payment of dividends and the partial repayment of $45.0 million in borrowings against our demand line of credit.
 
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ASC 718 requires that cash flows resulting from the benefits of tax deductions in excess of recognized compensation cost for share-based payments be classified as financing cash flows. Accordingly, for Fiscal 2011, for Fiscal 2010 and Fiscal 2009, the excess tax benefits from share-based payments of $0.4 million, $12.5 million and $2.8 million, respectively, are classified as financing cash flows.
Capital Expenditures for Property and Equipment
Fiscal 2011 capital expenditures were $100.1 million, compared to $84.3 million in Fiscal 2010. Fiscal 2011 expenditures included $70.9 million related to investments in our AE stores, including 33 new AE, aerie and 77kids stores in the United States and Canada, 106 remodeled and refurbished stores, and fixtures and visual investments. Additionally, we continued to support our infrastructure growth by investing in information technology ($12.5 million), the expansion and improvement of our distribution centers ($9.8 million) and other home office projects ($6.9 million).
For Fiscal 2012, we expect capital expenditures to be approximately $100.0 million related to stores, information technology and investments in e-commerce. New store growth is primarily related to outlet centers, which are among our most productive format. Additionally, we plan to remodel and refurbish approximately 100 AE stores with average operating results above the chain average.
Credit Facilities
During Fiscal 2011, we had borrowing agreements with four separate financial institutions under which an aggregate of $245.0 million United States dollars (“USD”) and $25.0 million Canadian dollars (“CAD”) was available. Of this amount, $135.0 million USD was available for letter of credit issuances, $50.0 million USD and $25.0 million CAD was available for demand line borrowings and the remaining $60.0 million USD was available for either letters of credit or demand line borrowings at the Company’s discretion. These lines were provided at the discretion of the respective financial institutions and were subject to their periodic review.
As of January 28, 2012, we had outstanding letters of credit of $25.2 million USD and no demand line borrowings.
On March 2, 2012, we entered into a five-year, $150.0 million syndicated, unsecured, revolving credit agreement (the “Credit Agreement”). The primary purpose of the Credit Agreement is to provide additional access to capital for general corporate purposes and the issuance of letters of credit. The Credit Agreement replaced the uncommitted demand lines in the aggregate amount of $110.0 million USD and $25.0 million CAD. The $135.0 million USD of credit lines for letter of credit issuances continue to remain in place as of March 15, 2012.
The Credit Agreement will mature on March 2, 2017. Stand-by letters of credit totaling approximately $8.5 million were outstanding under the Credit Agreement on March 15, 2012. No borrowings were outstanding under the Credit Agreement on March 15, 2012.
Stock Repurchases
During Fiscal 2011, we repurchased 1.4 million shares as part of our publicly announced share repurchase program for approximately $15.2 million, at a weighted average price of $11.10 per share. During Fiscal 2010, we repurchased 15.5 million shares as part of our publicly announced repurchase programs for approximately $216.1 million, at a weighted average price of $13.94 per share. We did not repurchase any common stock as part of our publicly announced repurchase program during Fiscal 2009. As of January 28, 2012, we had 13.1 million shares remaining authorized for repurchase. These shares may be repurchased at our discretion through February 2, 2013.
During Fiscal 2011, Fiscal 2010 and Fiscal 2009, we repurchased approximately 0.1 million, 1.0 million and 18,000 shares, respectively, from certain employees at market prices totaling $2.2 million, $18.0 million and $0.2 million, respectively. These shares were repurchased for the payment of taxes, not in excess of the minimum statutory withholding requirements, in connection with the vesting of share-based payments, as permitted under the 2005 Stock Award and Incentive Plan, as amended.
 
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The aforementioned share repurchases have been recorded as treasury stock.
Dividends
An $0.11 per share dividend was paid for each quarter of Fiscal 2011. During the fourth quarter of Fiscal 2010, our Board declared and paid a $0.50 per share special cash dividend along with a regular quarterly cash dividend of $0.11 per share. An $0.11 per share dividend was paid during both the second and third quarters of Fiscal 2010. A $0.10 per share dividend was paid during the first quarter of Fiscal 2010. Subsequent to the fourth quarter of Fiscal 2011, our Board declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.11 per share, payable on April 9, 2012 to stockholders of record at the close of business on March 26, 2012. The payment of future dividends is at the discretion of our Board and is based on future earnings, cash flow, financial condition, capital requirements, changes in U.S. taxation and other relevant factors. It is anticipated that any future dividends paid will be declared on a quarterly basis.
Obligations and Commitments
Disclosure about Contractual Obligations
The following table summarizes our significant contractual obligations as of January 28, 2012:

 	  	Payments Due by Period	 	
   	  	Total	 	  	Less than
1 Year	 	  	1-3
Years	 	  	3-5
Years	 	  	More than
5 Years	 	
 	  	(In thousands)	 	
Operating Leases(1)	  	$	1,724,071	  	  	$	255,576	  	  	$	464,809	  	  	$	391,129	  	  	$	612,557	  	
Unrecognized Tax Benefits(2)	  	 	39,430	  	  	 	3,959	  	  	 	—	  	  	 	—	  	  	 	35,471	  	
Purchase Obligations(3)	  	 	478,942	  	  	 	466,165	  	  	 	5,617	  	  	 	3,020	  	  	 	4,140	  	
	  	 	 	 	  	 	 	 	  	 	 	 	  	 	 	 	  	 	 	 	
Total Contractual Obligations	  	$	2,242,443	  	  	$	725,700	  	  	$	470,426	  	  	$	394,149	  	  	$	652,168	  	

(1)	Operating lease obligations consist primarily of future minimum lease commitments related to store operating leases (Refer to Note 10 to the Consolidated Financial Statements). Operating lease obligations do not include common area maintenance, insurance or tax payments for which we are also obligated.	
 
(2)	The amount of unrecognized tax benefits as of January 28, 2012 was $39.4 million, including approximately $7.9 million of accrued interest and penalties. Unrecognized tax benefits are positions taken or expected to be taken on an income tax return that may result in additional payments to tax authorities. The Company anticipates $4.0 million of unrecognized tax benefits will be realized within one year. The remaining balance of the unrecognized tax benefits of $35.4 million is included in the “More than 5 Years” column as we are not able to reasonably estimate the timing of the potential future payments.	
 
(3)	Purchase obligations primarily include binding commitments to purchase merchandise inventory, as well as other legally binding commitments, made in the normal course of business that are enforceable and specify all significant terms. Included in the above purchase obligations are inventory commitments guaranteed by outstanding letters of credit, as shown in the table below.	
Disclosure about Commercial Commitments
The following table summarizes our significant commercial commitments as of January 28, 2012:

 	  	Amount of Commitment Expiration Per Period	 	
 	  	Total
Amount
Committed	 	  	Less than
1  Year	 	  	1-3
Years	 	  	3-5
Years	 	  	More
than
5 Years	 	
 	  	(In thousands)	 	
Trade Letters of Credit(1)	  	$	25,197	  	  	$	25,197	  	  	 	—	  	  	 	—	  	  	 	—	  	
	  	 	 	 	  	 	 	 	  	 	 	 	  	 	 	 	  	 	 	 	
Total Commercial Commitments	  	$	25,197	  	  	$	25,197	  	  	 	—	  	  	 	—	  	  	 	—	  	

(1)	Trade letters of credit represent commitments, guaranteed by a bank, to pay vendors for merchandise, as well as other commitments, upon presentation of documents demonstrating that the merchandise has shipped.	
 
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Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements
We are not a party to any off-balance sheet arrangements.
Recent Accounting Pronouncements
Recent accounting pronouncements are disclosed in Note 2 of the Consolidated Financial Statements.
Certain Relationships and Related Party Transactions
Refer to Part III, Item 13 of this Form 10-K for information regarding related party transactions.
Impact of Inflation
Increases in the price of raw materials used in the manufacture of merchandise we purchase from suppliers has negatively impacted our cost of sales. Continued increases in these costs, in addition to increases in the price of labor, energy and other inputs to the manufacture of our merchandise, could further negatively impact our business and the industry in the future.
 ITEM 7A.     QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK 
We have market risk exposure related to interest rates and foreign currency exchange rates. Market risk is measured as the potential negative impact on earnings, cash flows or fair values resulting from a hypothetical change in interest rates or foreign currency exchange rates over the next year.
Interest Rate Risk
Our earnings are affected by changes in market interest rates as a result of our short and long-term investments. If our Fiscal 2011 average yield rate decreases by 10% in Fiscal 2012, our income before taxes will decrease by approximately $0.1 million. Comparatively, if our Fiscal 2010 average yield rate decreased by 10% in Fiscal 2011, our income before taxes would decrease by approximately $0.2 million. These amounts are determined by considering the impact of the hypothetical yield rates on our cash, short-term and long-term investment balances and assumes no change in our investment structure.
Foreign Exchange Rate Risk
We are exposed to the impact of foreign exchange rate risk primarily through our Canadian operations where the functional currency is the Canadian dollar. We do not utilize hedging instruments to mitigate foreign currency exchange risks. We believe our foreign currency translation risk is minimal as a hypothetical 10% change in the Canadian foreign exchange rate would not materially affect our results of operations or cash flows.
 
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 ITEM 8.     FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA. 
 Index to Consolidated Financial Statements

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm	  	 	34	  	
Consolidated Balance Sheets	  	 	35	  	
Consolidated Statements of Operations	  	 	36	  	
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income	  	 	37	  	
Consolidated Statements of Stockholders’ Equity	  	 	38	  	
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows	  	 	39	  	
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements	  	 	40	  	
 
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 Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
The Board of Directors and Stockholders of
American Eagle Outfitters, Inc.
We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of American Eagle Outfitters, Inc. (the Company) as of January 28, 2012 and January 29, 2011, and the related consolidated statements of operations, comprehensive income, stockholders’ equity, and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended January 28, 2012. These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on our audits.
We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
In our opinion, the financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the consolidated financial position of American Eagle Outfitters, Inc. at January 28, 2012 and January 29, 2011, and the consolidated results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended January 28, 2012, in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles.
We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), American Eagle Outfitters, Inc.’s internal control over financial reporting as of January 28, 2012, based on criteria established in Internal Control — Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission and our report dated March 15, 2012 expressed an unqualified opinion thereon.
/s/    Ernst & Young LLP
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
March 15, 2012
 
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 AMERICAN EAGLE OUTFITTERS, INC.
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

   	  	January 28,
         2012        	 	 	January 29,
         2011        	 	
 	  	(In thousands, except per
share amounts)	 	
			
Assets	  				 				
Current assets:	  				 				
Cash and cash equivalents	  	$	719,545	  	 	$	667,593	  	
Short-term investments	  	 	25,499	  	 	 	67,102	  	
Merchandise inventory	  	 	378,426	  	 	 	301,208	  	
Accounts receivable	  	 	40,310	  	 	 	36,721	  	
Prepaid expenses and other	  	 	74,947	  	 	 	53,727	  	
Deferred income taxes	  	 	48,761	  	 	 	48,059	  	
	  	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
Total current assets	  	 	1,287,488	  	 	 	1,174,410	  	
	  	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
Property and equipment, at cost, net of accumulated depreciation	  	 	582,162	  	 	 	643,120	  	
Intangible assets, at cost, net of accumulated amortization	  	 	39,832	  	 	 	7,485	  	
Goodwill	  	 	11,469	  	 	 	11,472	  	
Non-current deferred income taxes	  	 	13,467	  	 	 	19,616	  	
Other assets	  	 	16,384	  	 	 	23,895	  	
	  	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
Total assets	  	$	1,950,802	  	 	$	1,879,998	  	

Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity	  				 				
Current liabilities:	  				 				
Accounts payable	  	$	183,783	  	 	$	167,723	  	
Accrued compensation and payroll taxes	  	 	42,625	  	 	 	34,954	  	
Accrued rent	  	 	76,921	  	 	 	70,390	  	
Accrued income and other taxes	  	 	20,135	  	 	 	32,468	  	
Unredeemed gift cards and gift certificates	  	 	44,970	  	 	 	41,001	  	
Current portion of deferred lease credits	  	 	15,066	  	 	 	16,203	  	
Other liabilities and accrued expenses	  	 	21,901	  	 	 	25,098	  	
	  	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
Total current liabilities	  	 	405,401	  	 	 	387,837	  	
	  	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
Non-current liabilities:	  				 				
Deferred lease credits	  	 	71,880	  	 	 	78,606	  	
Non-current accrued income taxes	  	 	35,471	  	 	 	38,671	  	
Other non-current liabilities	  	 	21,199	  	 	 	23,813	  	
	  	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
Total non-current liabilities	  	 	128,550	  	 	 	141,090	  	
	  	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
Commitments and contingencies	  	 	—	  	 	 	—	  	
Stockholders’ equity:	  				 				
Preferred stock, $0.01 par value; 5,000 shares authorized; none issued and outstanding	  	 	—	  	 	 	—	  	
Common stock, $0.01 par value; 600,000 shares authorized; 249,566 and
249,566 shares issued; 193,848 and 194,366 shares outstanding, respectively	  	 	2,496	  	 	 	2,496	  	
Contributed capital	  	 	552,797	  	 	 	546,597	  	
Accumulated other comprehensive income	  	 	28,659	  	 	 	28,072	  	
Retained earnings	  	 	1,771,464	  	 	 	1,711,929	  	
Treasury stock, 55,718 and 55,200 shares, respectively, at cost	  	 	(938,565	) 	 	 	(938,023	) 	
	  	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
Total stockholders’ equity	  	 	1,416,851	  	 	 	1,351,071	  	
	  	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity	  	$	1,950,802	  	 	$	1,879,998	  	
	  	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
Refer to Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
 
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 AMERICAN EAGLE OUTFITTERS, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

 	  	For the Years Ended	 	
   	  	January 28,
2012	 	  	January 29,
2011	 	 	January 30,
2010	 	
 	  	(In thousands, except per share amounts)	 	
Net sales	  	$	3,159,818	  	  	$	2,967,559	  	 	$	2,940,269	  	
Cost of sales, including certain buying, occupancy and warehousing expenses	  	 	2,031,477	  	  	 	1,796,600	  	 	 	1,766,839	  	
	  	 	 	 	  	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
Gross profit	  	 	1,128,341	  	  	 	1,170,959	  	 	 	1,173,430	  	
Selling, general and administrative expenses 	  	 	735,828	  	  	 	713,197	  	 	 	725,278	  	
Loss on impairment of assets	  	 	20,730	  	  	 	—	  	 	 	—	  	
Depreciation and amortization expense	  	 	140,647	  	  	 	140,501	  	 	 	137,760	  	
	  	 	 	 	  	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
Operating income	  	 	231,136	  	  	 	317,261	  	 	 	310,392	  	
Realized loss on sale of investment securities	  	 	—	  	  	 	(24,426	) 	 	 	(2,749	) 	
Other income (expense), net 	  	 	5,874	  	  	 	2,249	  	 	 	(3,268	) 	
	  	 	 	 	  	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
Income before income taxes	  	 	237,010	  	  	 	295,084	  	 	 	304,375	  	
Provision for income taxes	  	 	85,305	  	  	 	113,150	  	 	 	90,977	  	
	  	 	 	 	  	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
Income from continuing operations	  	 	151,705	  	  	 	181,934	  	 	 	213,398	  	
Loss from discontinued operations, net of tax	  	 	—	  	  	 	(41,287	) 	 	 	(44,376	) 	
	  	 	 	 	  	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
Net income	  	$	151,705	  	  	$	140,647	  	 	$	169,022	  	
	  	 	 	 	  	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
Basic income per common share:	  				  				 				
Income from continuing operations	  	$	0.78	  	  	$	0.91	  	 	$	1.04	  	
Loss from discontinued operations	  	 	—	  	  	$	(0.21	) 	 	$	(0.22	) 	
	  	 	 	 	  	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
Basic net income per common share	  	$	0.78	  	  	$	0.70	  	 	$	0.82	  	
	  	 	 	 	  	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
Diluted income per common share:	  				  				 				
Income from continuing operations	  	$	0.77	  	  	$	0.90	  	 	$	1.02	  	
Loss from discontinued operations	  	 	—	  	  	 	(0.20	) 	 	 	(0.21	) 	
	  	 	 	 	  	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
Diluted net income per common share	  	$	0.77	  	  	$	0.70	  	 	$	0.81	  	
	  	 	 	 	  	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
Weighted average common shares outstanding — basic	  	 	194,445	  	  	 	199,979	  	 	 	206,171	  	
Weighted average common shares outstanding — diluted	  	 	196,314	  	  	 	201,818	  	 	 	209,512	  	
 
Refer to Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
 
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 AMERICAN EAGLE OUTFITTERS, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

 	  	For the Years Ended	 	
 	  	January 28,
2012	 	  	January 29,
2011	 	 	January 30,
2010	 	
 	  	(In thousands)	 	
Net income	  	$	151,705	  	  	$	140,647	  	 	$	169,022	  	
Other comprehensive income:	  				  				 				
Temporary (impairment) recovery related to investment securities, net of tax	  	 	—	  	  	 	(1,140	) 	 	 	14,506	  	
Reclassification adjustment for realized losses in net income related to investment securities, net of tax	  	 	—	  	  	 	7,541	  	 	 	940	  	
Foreign currency translation gain	  	 	587	  	  	 	4,833	  	 	 	15,781	  	
	  	 	 	 	  	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
Other comprehensive income	  	 	587	  	  	 	11,234	  	 	 	31,227	  	
	  	 	 	 	  	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
Comprehensive income	  	$	152,292	  	  	$	151,881	  	 	$	200,249	  	

 
Refer to Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
 
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 AMERICAN EAGLE OUTFITTERS, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

 	 	Shares
Outstanding
(1)	 	 	Common
Stock	 	 	Contributed
Capital	 	 	Retained
Earnings	 	 	Treasury
Stock(2)	 	 	Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
Income
(Loss)	 	 	Stockholders’
Equity	 	
 	 	(In thousands, except per share amounts)	 	
Balance at January 31, 2009	 	 	205,281	  	 	$	2,485	  	 	$	513,574	  	 	$	1,694,161	  	 	$	(786,800	) 	 	$	(14,389	) 	 	$	1,409,031	  	
	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
Stock awards	 	 	41	  	 	 	1	  	 	 	39,903	  	 	 	—	  	 	 	—	  	 	 	—	  	 	 	39,904	  	
Repurchase of common stock from employees	 	 	(18	) 	 	 	—	  	 	 	—	  	 	 	—	  	 	 	(247	) 	 	 	—	  	 	 	(247	) 	
Reissuance of treasury stock	 	 	1,528	  	 	 	—	  	 	 	—	  	 	 	(15,228	) 	 	 	27,792	  	 	 	—	  	 	 	12,564	  	
Net income	 	 	—	  	 	 	—	  	 	 	—	  	 	 	169,022	  	 	 	—	  	 	 	—	  	 	 	169,022	  	
Other comprehensive income, net of tax	 	 	—	  	 	 	—	  	 	 	—	  	 	 	—	  	 	 	—	  	 	 	31,227	  	 	 	31,227	  	
Cash dividends and dividend equivalents ($0.40 per share)	 	 	—	  	 	 	—	  	 	 	922	  	 	 	(83,906	) 	 	 	—	  	 	 	—	  	 	 	(82,984	) 	
	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
Balance at January 30, 2010	 	 	206,832	  	 	$	2,486	  	 	$	554,399	  	 	$	1,764,049	  	 	$	(759,255	) 	 	$	16,838	  	 	$	1,578,517	  	
	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
Stock awards	 	 	997	  	 	 	10	  	 	 	36,229	  	 	 	—	  	 	 	—	  	 	 	—	  	 	 	36,239	  	
Repurchase of common stock as part of publicly announced programs	 	 	(15,500	) 	 	 	—	  	 	 	—	  	 	 	—	  	 	 	(216,070	) 	 	 	—	  	 	 	(216,070	) 	
Repurchase of common stock from employees	 	 	(1,035	) 	 	 	—	  	 	 	—	  	 	 	—	  	 	 	(18,041	) 	 	 	—	  	 	 	(18,041	) 	
Reissuance of treasury stock	 	 	3,072	  	 	 	—	  	 	 	(45,841	) 	 	 	(7,791	) 	 	 	55,343	  	 	 	—	  	 	 	1,711	  	
Net income	 	 	—	  	 	 	—	  	 	 	—	  	 	 	140,647	  	 	 	—	  	 	 	—	  	 	 	140,647	  	
Other comprehensive income, net of tax	 	 	—	  	 	 	—	  	 	 	—	  	 	 	—	  	 	 	—	  	 	 	11,234	  	 	 	11,234	  	
Cash dividends and dividend equivalents ($0.93 per share)	 	 	—	  	 	 	—	  	 	 	1,810	  	 	 	(184,976	) 	 	 	—	  	 	 	—	  	 	 	(183,166	) 	
	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
Balance at January 29, 2011	 	 	194,366	  	 	$	2,496	  	 	$	546,597	  	 	$	1,711,929	  	 	$	(938,023	) 	 	$	2 8,072	  	 	$	1,351,071	  	
	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
Stock awards	 	 	—	  	 	 	—	  	 	 	10,532	  	 	 	—	  	 	 	—	  	 	 	—	  	 	 	10,532	  	
Repurchase of common stock as part of publicly announced programs	 	 	(1,365	) 	 	 	—	  	 	 	—	  	 	 	—	  	 	 	(15,160	) 	 	 	—	  	 	 	(15,160	) 	
Repurchase of common stock from employees	 	 	(145	) 	 	 	—	  	 	 	—	  	 	 	—	  	 	 	(2,189	) 	 	 	—	  	 	 	(2,189	) 	
Reissuance of treasury stock	 	 	992	  	 	 	—	  	 	 	(5,997	) 	 	 	(4,261	) 	 	 	16,807	  	 	 	—	  	 	 	6,549	  	
Net income	 	 	—	  	 	 	—	  	 	 	—	  	 	 	151,705	  	 	 	—	  	 	 	—	  	 	 	151,705	  	
Other comprehensive income, net of tax	 	 	—	  	 	 	—	  	 	 	—	  	 	 	—	  	 	 	—	  	 	 	587	  	 	 	587	  	
Cash dividends and dividend equivalents ($0.44 per share)	 	 	—	  	 	 	—	  	 	 	1,665	  	 	 	(87,909	) 	 	 	—	  	 	 	—	  	 	 	(86,244	) 	
	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
Balance at January 28, 2012	 	 	193,848	  	 	$	2,496	  	 	$	552,797	  	 	$	1,771,464	  	 	$	(938,565	) 	 	$	28,659	  	 	$	1,416,851	  	

 

(1)	600,000 authorized, 249,566 issued and 193,848 outstanding, $0.01 par value common stock at January 28, 2012; 600,000 authorized, 249,566 issued and 194,366 outstanding, $0.01 par value common stock at January 29, 2011; 600,000 authorized, 249,561 issued and 206,832 outstanding (excluding 992 shares of non-vested restricted stock), $0.01 par value common stock at January 30, 2010; The Company has 5,000 authorized, with none issued or outstanding, $0.01 par value preferred stock at January 28, 2012, January 29, 2011 and January 30, 2010.	
 
(2)	55,718 shares, 55,200 shares, and 41,737 shares at January 28, 2012, January 29, 2011 and January 30, 2010, respectively. During Fiscal 2011, Fiscal 2010 and Fiscal 2009, 992 shares, 3,072 shares and 1,528 shares, respectively, were reissued from treasury stock for the issuance of share-based payments.	
Refer to Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
 
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 AMERICAN EAGLE OUTFITTERS, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

 	 	For the Years Ended	 	
 	 	January 28,
2012	 	 	January 29,
2011	 	 	January 30,
2010	 	
 	 	(In thousands)	 	
Operating activities:	 				 				 				
Net income	 	$	151,705	  	 	$	140,647	  	 	$	169,022	  	
Loss from discontinued operations, net of tax	 	 	—	  	 	 	41,287	  	 	 	44,376	  	
	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
Income from continuing operations	 	$	151,705	  	 	$	181,934	  	 	$	213,398	  	
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities	 				 				 				
Depreciation and amortization	 	 	143,156	  	 	 	145,548	  	 	 	139,832	  	
Share-based compensation	 	 	12,341	  	 	 	25,457	  	 	 	34,615	  	
Provision for deferred income taxes	 	 	4,207	  	 	 	11,885	  	 	 	(36,027	) 	
Tax benefit from share-based payments	 	 	356	  	 	 	15,648	  	 	 	7,995	  	
Excess tax benefit from share-based payments	 	 	(373	) 	 	 	(12,499	) 	 	 	(2,812	) 	
Foreign currency transaction (gain) loss	 	 	(325	) 	 	 	117	  	 	 	6,477	  	
Loss on impairment of assets	 	 	20,730	  	 	 	—	  	 	 	—	  	
Realized investment losses	 	 	—	  	 	 	25,674	  	 	 	3,689	  	
Changes in assets and liabilities:	 				 				 				
Merchandise inventory	 	 	(77,311	) 	 	 	18,713	  	 	 	(33,699	) 	
Accounts receivable	 	 	(3,589	) 	 	 	(3,790	) 	 	 	6,656	  	
Prepaid expenses and other	 	 	(21,261	) 	 	 	(9,045	) 	 	 	12,916	  	
Other assets	 	 	2,444	  	 	 	(1,380	) 	 	 	1,146	  	
Accounts payable	 	 	17,934	  	 	 	5,232	  	 	 	8,358	  	
Unredeemed gift cards and gift certificates	 	 	3,979	  	 	 	1,713	  	 	 	(3,591	) 	
Deferred lease credits	 	 	(7,837	) 	 	 	(7,451	) 	 	 	4,667	  	
Accrued compensation and payroll taxes	 	 	7,677	  	 	 	(19,618	) 	 	 	25,841	  	
Accrued income and other taxes	 	 	(15,515	) 	 	 	11,999	  	 	 	12,858	  	
Accrued liabilities	 	 	938	  	 	 	12,457	  	 	 	(1,993	) 	
	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
Total adjustments	 	 	87,551	  	 	 	220,660	  	 	 	186,928	  	
	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
Net cash provided by operating activities from continuing operations	 	 	239,256	  	 	 	402,594	  	 	 	400,326	  	
	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
Investing activities:	 				 				 				
Capital expenditures for property and equipment	 	 	(100,135	) 	 	 	(84,259	) 	 	 	(127,080	) 	
Acquisition of intangible assets	 	 	(34,187	) 	 	 	(2,801	) 	 	 	(2,003	) 	
Purchase of available-for-sale securities	 	 	(193,851	) 	 	 	(62,797	) 	 	 	—	  	
Sale of available-for-sale securities	 	 	240,797	  	 	 	177,472	  	 	 	80,353	  	
	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
Net cash (used for) provided by investing activities from continuing operations	 	 	(87,376	) 	 	 	27,615	  	 	 	(48,730	) 	
	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
Financing activities:	 				 				 				
Payments on capital leases	 	 	(3,256	) 	 	 	(2,590	) 	 	 	(2,015	) 	
Repayment of note payable	 	 	—	  	 	 	(30,000	) 	 	 	(45,000	) 	
Repurchase of common stock as part of publicly announced programs	 	 	(15,160	) 	 	 	(216,070	) 	 	 	—	  	
Repurchase of common stock from employees	 	 	(2,189	) 	 	 	(18,041	) 	 	 	(247	) 	
Net proceeds from stock options exercised	 	 	5,098	  	 	 	7,272	  	 	 	9,044	  	
Excess tax benefit from share-based payments	 	 	373	  	 	 	12,499	  	 	 	2,812	  	
Cash used to net settle equity awards	 	 	—	  	 	 	(6,434	) 	 	 	(1,414	) 	
Cash dividends paid	 	 	(85,592	) 	 	 	(183,166	) 	 	 	(82,985	) 	
	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
Net cash used for financing activities from continuing operations	 	 	(100,726	) 	 	 	(436,530	) 	 	 	(119,805	) 	
	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
Effect of exchange rates on cash	 	 	798	  	 	 	1,394	  	 	 	3,030	  	
	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
Cash flows of discontinued operations	 				 				 				
Net cash used for operating activities	 	 	—	  	 	 	(21,434	) 	 	 	(13,864	) 	
Net cash used for investing activities	 	 	—	  	 	 	(6	) 	 	 	(339	) 	
Net cash used for financing activities	 	 	—	  	 	 	—	  	 	 	—	  	
Effect of exchange rates on cash	 	 	—	  	 	 	—	  	 	 	—	  	
	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
Net cash used for discontinued operations	 	 	—	  	 	 	(21,440	) 	 	 	(14,203	) 	
	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	 	 	51,952	  	 	 	(26,367	) 	 	 	220,618	  	
Cash and cash equivalents — beginning of period	 	 	667,593	  	 	 	693,960	  	 	 	473,342	  	
	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
Cash and cash equivalents — end of period	 	$	719,545	  	 	$	667,593	  	 	$	693,960	  	
	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
Refer to Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
 
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 AMERICAN EAGLE OUTFITTERS, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED JANUARY 28, 2012
 
1.	Business Operations	
American Eagle Outfitters, Inc. (the “Company”), a Delaware corporation, operates under the American Eagle ® (“AE”), aerie ® by American Eagle ® (“aerie”), and 77kids by american eagle ® (“77kids”) brands. The Company operated the MARTIN+OSA ® brand (“M+O”) until its closure during Fiscal 2010.
Founded in 1977, American Eagle Outfitters is a leading apparel and accessories retailer that operates more than 1,000 retail stores in the U.S. and Canada, and online at ae.com. Through its family of brands, the Company offers high quality, on-trend clothing, accessories and personal care products at affordable prices. The Company’s online business, AEO Direct, ships to 77  countries worldwide.
Merchandise Mix
The following table sets forth the approximate consolidated percentage of net sales attributable to each merchandise group for each of the periods indicated:

 	  	For the Years Ended	 	
 	  	January 28,
2012	 	 	January 29,
2011	 	 	January 30,
2010	 	
Men’s apparel and accessories	  	 	40	% 	 	 	40	% 	 	 	40	% 	
Women’s apparel and accessories (excluding aerie)	  	 	51	% 	 	 	51	% 	 	 	51	% 	
aerie	  	 	8	% 	 	 	9	% 	 	 	9	% 	
Kid’s apparel and accessories	  	 	1	% 	 	 	—	% 	 	 	—	% 	
	  	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
Total	  	 	100	% 	 	 	100	% 	 	 	100	% 	

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 January 28, 2012, the Company operated in one reportable segment.
On March 5, 2010, the Company’s Board of Directors (the “Board”) approved management’s recommendation to proceed with the closure of the M+O brand. The Company completed the closure of the M+O stores and e-commerce operation during Fiscal 2010. These Consolidated Financial Statements reflect the results of M+O as a discontinued operation for all periods presented.
Fiscal Year
The Company’s financial year is a 52/53 week year that ends on the Saturday nearest to January 31. As used herein, “Fiscal 2012” refers to the 53 week period ending February 2, 2013. “Fiscal 2011”, “Fiscal 2010,” “Fiscal 2009,” “Fiscal 2008” and “Fiscal 2007” refer to the 52 week periods ended January 28, 2012, January 29, 2011, January 30, 2010, January 31, 2009 and February 2, 2008, 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
 
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AMERICAN EAGLE OUTFITTERS, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
 
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 June 2011, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) 2011-05, Presentation of Comprehensive Income (“ASU 2011-05”). ASU 2011-05 requires that all non-owner changes in stockholders’ equity be presented either in a single continuous statement of comprehensive income or in two separate but consecutive statements. In the two-statement approach, the first statement should present total net income and its components followed consecutively by a second statement that should present total other comprehensive income, the components of other comprehensive income and the total of comprehensive income. In December 2011, the FASB issued ASU 2011-12, Deferral of the Effective Date for Amendments to the Presentation of Reclassifications of Items Out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (“ASU 2011-12”). ASU 2011-12 defers the requirement to present reclassifications out of accumulated other comprehensive income as required by ASU 2011-05. For public entities, the amendments in ASU 2011-05 and ASU 2011-12 are effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2011, and are to be applied retrospectively, with early adoption permitted. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of ASU 2011-05 and ASU 2011-12 on its financial statement presentation of comprehensive income and will adopt in Fiscal 2012.
In September 2011, the FASB issued ASU 2011-08, Testing Goodwill for Impairment (“ASU 2011-08”). ASU 2011-08 permits an entity to first assess qualitative factors to determine whether it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount as a basis for determining whether it is necessary to perform the two-step goodwill impairment test. ASU 2011-08 applies to all companies that have goodwill reported in their financial statements. The provisions of ASU 2011-08 are effective for annual and interim goodwill impairment tests performed for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2011. The Company will adopt ASU 2011-08 in Fiscal 2012. As a result of the adoption, the Company does not expect an impact to its Consolidated Financial Statements.
Foreign Currency Translation
The Canadian dollar is the functional currency for the Canadian business. In accordance with Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) 830, Foreign Currency Matters , assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies were translated into U.S. dollars (the reporting currency) at the exchange rate prevailing at the balance sheet date. Revenues and expenses denominated in foreign currencies were translated into U.S. dollars at the monthly average exchange rate for the period. Gains or losses resulting from foreign currency transactions are included in the results of operations, whereas, related translation adjustments are reported as an element of other comprehensive income in accordance with ASC 220, Comprehensive Income (refer to Note 11 to the Consolidated Financial Statements).
Cash and Cash Equivalents, Short-term Investments and Long-term Investments
Cash includes 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 January 28, 2012, short-term investments include treasury bills purchased with a maturity of greater than three months, but less than one year. It also includes auction rate securities (“ARS”) classified as available for sale that the Company expects to be redeemed at par within 12 months.
 
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AMERICAN EAGLE OUTFITTERS, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
 
As of January 28, 2012, long-term investments include the Company’s ARS Call Option related to investment sales during Fiscal 2010. Long-term investments are included within other assets on the Company’s Consolidated Balance Sheets. The ARS Call Option expires on October 29, 2013.
Unrealized gains and losses on the Company’s available-for-sale securities are excluded from earnings and are reported as a separate component of stockholders’ equity, within accumulated other comprehensive income, until realized. The components of other-than-temporary impairment (“OTTI”) losses related to credit losses are considered by the Company to be realized and are recorded in earnings. When available-for-sale securities are sold, the cost of the securities is specifically identified and is used to determine any realized gain or loss.
Refer to Note 3 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for information regarding cash and cash equivalents, short-term investments and long-term investments.
Other-than-Temporary Impairment
The Company evaluates its investments for impairment in accordance with ASC 320, Investments — Debt and Equity Securities (“ASC 320”). ASC 320 provides guidance for determining when an investment is considered impaired, whether impairment is other-than-temporary, and measurement of an impairment loss. An investment is considered impaired if the fair value of the investment is less than its cost. If, after consideration of all available evidence to evaluate the realizable value of its investment, impairment is determined to be other-than-temporary, then an impairment loss is recognized in the Consolidated Statement of Operations equal to the difference between the investment’s cost and its fair value. Additionally, ASC 320 requires additional disclosures relating to debt and equity securities both in the interim and annual periods as well as requires the Company to present total OTTI with an offsetting reduction for any non-credit loss impairment amount recognized in other comprehensive income (“OCI”).
There was no net impairment loss recognized in earnings during Fiscal 2011. During Fiscal 2010, there was $1.2 million of net impairment loss recognized in earnings which consisted of gross other-than-temporary losses of $5.0 million, partially offset by $3.8 million of OTTI losses recognized in other comprehensive income. During Fiscal 2009, there was $0.9 million of net impairment loss recognized in earnings which consisted of gross other-than-temporary losses of $4.4 million, partially offset by $3.5 million of OTTI losses recognized in other comprehensive income.
Refer to Note 4 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information regarding net impairment losses recognized in earnings.
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 merchandise is delivered to the foreign shipping port by the manufacturer (FOB port). This is the point at which title and risk of loss transfer 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
 
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AMERICAN EAGLE OUTFITTERS, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
 
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	
In accordance with ASC 360, Property, Plant, and Equipment , the Company’s management evaluates the value of leasehold improvements and store fixtures associated with retail stores, which have been open for a period of time sufficient to reach maturity. The Company evaluates long-lived assets for impairment at the individual store level, which is the lowest level at which individual cash flows can be identified. Impairment losses are recorded on long-lived assets used in operations when events and circumstances indicate that the assets might be impaired and the undiscounted cash flows estimated to be generated by those assets are less than the carrying amounts of the assets. When events such as these occur, the impaired assets are adjusted to their estimated fair value and an impairment loss is recorded separately as a component of operating income under loss on impairment of assets.
During Fiscal 2011, the Company recorded asset impairment charges of $20.7 million consisting of 59 retail stores, largely related to the aerie brand, which is recorded as a loss on impairment of assets in the Consolidated Statements of Operations. Based on the Company’s review of the operating performance and projections of future performance of these stores, the Company determined that they would not be able to generate sufficient cash flow over the life of the related leases to recover the Company’s initial investment in them.
During Fiscal 2010, the Company recorded asset impairment charges of $18.0 million related to the impairment of 18 M+O stores. Additionally, during Fiscal 2009, the Company recorded asset impairment charges of $18.0 million related primarily to the impairment of 10 M+O stores. The asset impairment charges in Fiscal 2010 and Fiscal 2009 related to the 28 M+O stores are recorded within loss from discontinued operations, net of tax in the Consolidated Statements of Operations.
Refer to Note 15 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information regarding the discontinued operations for M+O.
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.
Goodwill
The Company’s goodwill is primarily related to the acquisition of its importing operations and Canadian business. In accordance with ASC 350, Intangibles- Goodwill and Other (“ASC 350”), the Company evaluates
 
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AMERICAN EAGLE OUTFITTERS, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
 
goodwill for possible impairment on at least an annual basis and last performed an annual impairment test as of January 28, 2012. As a result of the Company’s annual goodwill impairment test, the Company concluded that its goodwill was not impaired.
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 are 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 during Fiscal 2011, Fiscal 2010 or Fiscal 2009.
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) and any subsequent renewal terms. The receivable is reduced as amounts are received from the landlord.
Self-Insurance Liability
The Company is self-insured 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 and Customer Loyalty Program
The Company offers a co-branded credit card (the “AEO Visa Card”) and a private label credit card (the “AEO Credit Card”) under the AE, aerie and 77kids brands. These credit cards are issued by a third-party bank (the “Bank”), and the Company has no liability to the Bank for bad debt expense, provided that purchases are made in accordance with the Bank’s procedures. 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 credit card rewards program. Customers who make purchases at AE, aerie and 77kids earn discounts in the form of savings certificates when certain purchase levels are reached. Also, AEO Visa Card customers who make purchases at other retailers where the card is accepted earn additional discounts. Savings certificates are valid for 90 days from issuance.
 
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AMERICAN EAGLE OUTFITTERS, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
 
Points earned under the credit card rewards program on purchases at AE, aerie and 77kids are accounted for by analogy to ASC 605-25, Revenue Recognition, Multiple Element Arrangements (“ASC 605-25”). The Company believes that points earned under its point and loyalty programs represent deliverables in a multiple element arrangement rather than a rebate or refund of cash. Accordingly, the portion of the sales revenue attributed to the award points is deferred and recognized when the award is redeemed or when the points expire. Additionally, credit card reward points earned on non-AE, aerie or 77kids purchases are accounted for in accordance with ASC 605-25. As the points are earned, a current liability is recorded for the estimated cost of the award, and the impact of adjustments is recorded in cost of sales.
The Company offers its customers the AEREWARD$ sm loyalty program (the “Program”). Under the Program, customers accumulate points based on purchase activity and earn rewards by reaching certain point thresholds during three-month earning periods. Rewards earned during these periods are valid through the stated expiration date, which is approximately one month from the mailing date of the reward. These rewards can be redeemed for a discount on a purchase of merchandise. Rewards not redeemed during the one-month redemption period are forfeited. The Company determined that rewards earned using the Program should be accounted for in accordance with ASC 605-25. Accordingly, the portion of the sales revenue attributed to the award credits is deferred and recognized when the awards are redeemed or expire.
Income Taxes
The Company calculates income taxes in accordance with ASC 740, Income Taxes (“ASC 740”), which requires the use of the asset and liability method. Under this method, deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized based on the difference between the Consolidated Financial Statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases as computed pursuant to ASC 740. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using the tax rates, based on certain judgments regarding enacted tax laws and published guidance, in effect in the years when those temporary differences are expected to reverse. A valuation allowance is established against the deferred tax assets when it is more likely than not that some portion or all of the deferred taxes may not be realized. Changes in the Company’s level and composition of earnings, tax laws or the deferred tax valuation allowance, as well as the results of tax audits, may materially impact the Company’s effective income tax rate.
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.
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 net sales. 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.
 
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AMERICAN EAGLE OUTFITTERS, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
 
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 net sales 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	 	
   	  	January 28,
2012	 	 	January 29,
2011	 	 	January 30,
2010	 	
 	  	(In thousands)	 	
Beginning balance	  	$	3,691	  	 	$	4,690	  	 	$	3,981	  	
Returns	  	 	(77,656	) 	 	 	(70,789	) 	 	 	(71,705	) 	
Provisions	  	 	76,896	  	 	 	69,790	  	 	 	72,414	  	
	  	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
Ending balance	  	$	2,931	  	 	$	3,691	  	 	$	4,690	  	
	  	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
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 net sales. 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 franchise agreements based upon a percentage of merchandise sales by the franchisee. This revenue is recorded as a component of net sales when earned.
The Company sells off end-of-season, overstock, and irregular merchandise to a third-party. The proceeds from these sales are presented on a gross basis, with proceeds and cost of sell-offs recorded in net sales and cost of sales, respectively.

 	  	For the Years Ended	 	
   	  	January 28,
2012	 	  	January 29,
2011	 	  	January 30,
2010	 	
 	  	(In thousands)	 	
Proceeds from sell-offs	  	$	17,556	  	  	$	25,593	  	  	$	29,347	  	
Marked-down cost of merchandise disposed of via sell-offs	  	$	17,441	  	  	$	24,728	  	  	$	29,023	  	
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. Buying, occupancy and warehousing costs consist of compensation, employee benefit expenses and travel 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. Merchandise profit is the difference between net sales and merchandise costs. Gross profit is the difference between net sales 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,
 
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AMERICAN EAGLE OUTFITTERS, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
 
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.
Advertising Costs
Certain advertising costs, including direct mail, in-store photographs and other promotional costs are expensed when the marketing campaign commences. As of January 28, 2012 and January 29, 2011, the Company had prepaid advertising expense of $7.7 million and $5.4 million, respectively. All other advertising costs are expensed as incurred. The Company recognized $73.1 million, $64.9 million and $60.9 million in advertising expense during Fiscal 2011, Fiscal 2010 and Fiscal 2009, respectively.
Design Costs
The Company has certain design costs, including compensation, rent, depreciation, travel, supplies and samples, which are included in cost of sales as the respective inventory is sold.
Store Pre-Opening Costs
Store pre-opening costs consist primarily of rent, advertising, supplies and payroll expenses. These costs are expensed as incurred.
Other Income (Expense), Net
Other income (expense), net consists primarily of interest income/expense, foreign currency transaction gain/loss and realized investment gains/losses other than those realized upon the sale of investment securities, which are recorded separately on the Consolidated Statements of Operations.
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 net sales. 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 $6.5 million, $5.5 million and $6.8 million during Fiscal 2011, Fiscal 2010 and Fiscal 2009, 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 (“ASC 450”), the Company records a reserve for estimated losses when the loss is probable and the amount can be reasonably estimated. If a range of possible loss exists and no anticipated loss within the range is more likely than any other anticipated loss, the Company records the accrual at the low end of the range, in accordance with ASC 450. As the Company believes that it has provided adequate reserves, it anticipates that the ultimate outcome of any matter currently pending against the Company will not materially affect the consolidated financial position, results of operations or consolidated cash flows of the Company.
 
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AMERICAN EAGLE OUTFITTERS, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
 
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	 	
 	  	January 28,
2012	 	  	January 29,
2011	 	  	January 30,
2010	 	
 	  	(In thousands)	 	
Cash paid during the periods for:	  				  				  				
Income taxes	  	$	99,756	  	  	$	45,737	  	  	$	61,869	  	
Interest	  	$	—	  	  	$	191	  	  	$	1,879	  	
Segment Information
In accordance with ASC 280, Segment Reporting (“ASC 280”), the Company has identified four operating segments (American Eagle ® Brand US and Canadian stores, aerie ® by American Eagle ® retail stores, 77kids by american eagle ® retail stores and AEO Direct) that reflect the basis used internally to review performance and allocate resources. All of the operating segments 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	 	
   	  	January 28,
2012	 	  	January 29,
2011	 	  	January 30,
2010	 	
 	  	(In thousands)	 	
Net sales:	  				  				  				
United States	  	$	2,849,248	  	  	$	2,675,992	  	  	$	2,665,655	  	
Foreign(1)	  	 	310,570	  	  	 	291,567	  	  	 	274,614	  	
	  	 	 	 	  	 	 	 	  	 	 	 	
Total net sales	  	$	3,159,818	  	  	$	2,967,559	  	  	$	2,940,269	  	

(1)	Amounts represent sales from American Eagle and aerie Canadian retail stores, AEO Direct sales that are billed to and/or shipped to foreign countries and international franchise revenue.	

   	  	January 28,
2012	 	  	January 29,
2011	 	
 	  	(In thousands)	 	
Long-lived assets, net:	  				  				
United States	  	$	580,161	  	  	$	615,049	  	
Foreign	  	 	53,302	  	  	 	47,028	  	
	  	 	 	 	  	 	 	 	
Total long-lived assets, net	  	$	633,463	  	  	$	662,077	  	
	  	 	 	 	  	 	 	 	
Reclassifications
Certain reclassifications have been made to the Consolidated Financial Statements for prior periods in order to conform to the current period presentation.
 
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AMERICAN EAGLE OUTFITTERS, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
 
3.	Cash and Cash Equivalents, Short-term Investments and Long-term Investments	
The following table summarizes the fair market value of our cash and marketable securities, which are recorded on the Consolidated Balance Sheets:

   	  	January 28,
2012	 	  	January 29,
2011	 	
 	  	(In thousands)	 	
Cash and cash equivalents:	  				  				
Cash	  	$	548,728	  	  	$	122,578	  	
Money-market	  	 	131,785	  	  	 	397,440	  	
Commercial Paper	  	 	29,998	  	  	 	40,884	  	
Treasury bills	  	 	9,034	  	  	 	102,996	  	
Corporate bonds	  	 	—	  	  	 	3,695	  	
	  	 	 	 	  	 	 	 	
Total cash and cash equivalents	  	$	719,545	  	  	$	667,593	  	
Short-term investments:	  				  				
Treasury bills	  	$	19,999	  	  	$	—	  	
State and local government ARS	  	 	5,500	  	  	 	3,700	  	
Term-deposits	  	 	—	  	  	 	63,402	  	
	  	 	 	 	  	 	 	 	
Total short-term investments	  	$	25,499	  	  	$	67,102	  	
Long-term investments:	  				  				
ARS Call Option	  	$	847	  	  	$	415	  	
State and local government ARS	  	 	—	  	  	 	5,500	  	
	  	 	 	 	  	 	 	 	
Total long-term investments	  	$	847	  	  	$	5,915	  	
	  	 	 	 	  	 	 	 	
Total	  	$	745,891	  	  	$	740,610	  	
	  	 	 	 	  	 	 	 	
Proceeds from the sale of available-for-sale securities were $240.8 million, $177.5 million and $80.4 million for Fiscal 2011, Fiscal 2010 and Fiscal 2009, respectively. The purchases of available-for-sale securities for Fiscal 2011 and Fiscal 2010 were $193.9 million and $62.8 million, respectively. There were no purchases of available-for-sale securities during Fiscal 2009. At January 28, 2012 and January 29, 2011, the fair value of all available for sale securities approximated par, with no gross unrealized holding gains or losses.
During Fiscal 2010, the Company liquidated ARS investments with $191.4 million of carrying value for proceeds of $177.5 million and a realized loss of $24.4 million (of which $10.9 million had previously been included in OCI on the Company’s Consolidated Balance Sheets). The ARS securities sold during Fiscal 2010 included $119.7 million of par value ARS securities whereby the Company entered into a settlement agreement under which a financial institution (the “purchaser”) purchased the ARS at a discount to par, plus accrued interest. Additionally, under this agreement, the Company retained a right (the “ARS Call Option”), for a period ending October 29, 2013 to: (a) repurchase any or all of the ARS securities sold at the agreed upon purchase prices received from the purchaser plus accrued interest; and/or (b) receive additional proceeds from the purchaser upon certain redemptions of the ARS securities sold. The ARS Call Option is cancelable by the purchaser for additional cash consideration.
The Company is required to assess the value of the ARS Call Option at the end of each reporting period, with any changes in fair value recorded within the Consolidated Statement of Operations. Upon origination, the Company determined that the fair value was $0.4 million. The fair value of the ARS Call Option was included as an offsetting amount within the net loss on liquidation of $24.4 million referenced above. As of January 28, 2012, the Company determined that the fair value of the ARS Call Option, which is classified as a long-term investment, was $0.8 million.
 
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AMERICAN EAGLE OUTFITTERS, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
 
4.	Fair Value Measurements	
ASC 820, Fair Value Measurement Disclosures (“ASC 820”), defines fair value, establishes a framework for measuring fair value in accordance with GAAP, and expands disclosures about fair value measurements. Fair value is defined under ASC 820 as the exit price associated with the sale of an asset or transfer of a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date.
Financial Instruments
Valuation techniques used to measure fair value under ASC 820 must maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs. In addition, ASC 820 establishes this three-tier fair value hierarchy, which prioritizes the inputs used in measuring fair value. These tiers include:
 
 	•	 	Level 1  — Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities.	
 
 	•	 	Level 2 — Inputs other than Level 1 that are observable, either directly or indirectly, such as quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities; quoted prices in markets that are not active; or other inputs that are observable or can be corroborated by observable market data for substantially the full term of the assets or liabilities.	
 
 	•	 	Level 3 — Unobservable inputs (i.e., projections, estimates, interpretations, etc.) that are supported by little or no market activity and that are significant to the fair value of the assets or liabilities.	
As of January 28, 2012 and January 29, 2011, the Company held certain assets that are required to be measured at fair value on a recurring basis. These include cash equivalents and short and long-term investments, including ARS.
In accordance with ASC 820, the following tables represent the fair value hierarchy for the Company’s financial assets (cash equivalents and investments) measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of January 28, 2012 and January 29, 2011:

 	  	Fair Value Measurements at January 28, 2012	 	
   	  	Carrying
Amount	 	  	Quoted Market
Prices in  Active
Markets for
Identical Assets
(Level 1)	 	  	Significant  Other
Observable
Inputs (Level 2)	 	  	Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
(Level 3)	 	
 	  	(In thousands)	 	
Cash and cash equivalents	  				  				  				  				
Cash	  	$	548,728	  	  	$	548,728	  	  	$	—	  	  	$	—	  	
Money-market	  	 	131,785	  	  	 	131,785	  	  	 	—	  	  	 	—	  	
Commercial paper	  	 	29,998	  	  	 	29,998	  	  	 	—	  	  	 	—	  	
Treasury bills	  	 	9,034	  	  	 	9,034	  	  	 	—	  	  	 	—	  	
	  	 	 	 	  	 	 	 	  	 	 	 	  	 	 	 	
Total cash and cash equivalents	  	$	719,545	  	  	$	719,545	  	  	$	—	  	  	$	—	  	
Short-term investments	  				  				  				  				
Treasury bills	  	$	19,999	  	  	$	19,999	  	  	$	—	  	  	$	—	  	
State and local government ARS	  	 	5,500	  	  	 	—	  	  	 	—	  	  	 	5,500	  	
	  	 	 	 	  	 	 	 	  	 	 	 	  	 	 	 	
Total short-term investments	  	$	25,499	  	  	$	19,999	  	  	$	—	  	  	$	5,500	  	
Long-term investments	  				  				  				  				
ARS Call Option	  	$	847	  	  	$	—	  	  	$	—	  	  	$	847	  	
	  	 	 	 	  	 	 	 	  	 	 	 	  	 	 	 	
Total long-term investments	  	$	847	  	  	$	—	  	  	$	—	  	  	$	847	  	
	  	 	 	 	  	 	 	 	  	 	 	 	  	 	 	 	
Total	  	$	745,891	  	  	$	739,544	  	  	$	—	  	  	$	6,347	  	

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AMERICAN EAGLE OUTFITTERS, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

																	
 	  	Fair Value Measurements at January 29, 2011	 	
   	  	Carrying
Amount	 	  	Quoted Market
Prices in  Active
Markets for
Identical Assets
(Level 1)	 	  	Significant  Other
Observable
Inputs (Level 2)	 	  	Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
(Level 3)	 	
 	  	(In thousands)	 	
Cash and cash equivalents	  				  				  				  				
Cash	  	$	122,578	  	  	$	122,578	  	  	$	—	  	  	$	—	  	
Money-market	  	 	397,440	  	  	 	397,440	  	  	 	—	  	  	 	—	  	
Treasury bills	  	 	102,996	  	  	 	102,996	  	  	 	—	  	  	 	—	  	
Commercial paper	  	 	40,884	  	  	 	40,884	  	  	 	—	  	  	 	—	  	
Corporate bonds	  	 	3,695	  	  	 	3,695	  	  	 	—	  	  	 	—	  	
	  	 	 	 	  	 	 	 	  	 	 	 	  	 	 	 	
Total cash and cash equivalents	  	$	667,593	  	  	$	667,593	  	  	$	—	  	  	$	—	  	
Short-term investments	  				  				  				  				
Term deposits	  	$	63,402	  	  	$	63,402	  	  	$	—	  	  	$	—	  	
State and local government ARS	  	 	3,700	  	  	 	—	  	  	 	—	  	  	 	3,700	  	
	  	 	 	 	  	 	 	 	  	 	 	 	  	 	 	 	
Total short-term investments	  	$	67,102	  	  	$	63,402	  	  	$	—	  	  	$	3,700	  	
Long-term investments	  				  				  				  				
State and local government ARS	  	$	5,500	  	  	$	—	  	  	$	—	  	  	$	5,500	  	
ARS Call Option	  	 	415	  	  	 	—	  	  	 	—	  	  	 	415	  	
	  	 	 	 	  	 	 	 	  	 	 	 	  	 	 	 	
Total long-term investments	  	$	5,915	  	  	$	—	  	  	$	—	  	  	$	5,915	  	
	  	 	 	 	  	 	 	 	  	 	 	 	  	 	 	 	
Total	  	$	740,610	  	  	$	730,995	  	  	$	—	  	  	$	9,615	  	
	  	 	 	 	  	 	 	 	  	 	 	 	  	 	 	 	
The Company uses a discounted cash flow (“DCF”) model to value its Level 3 investments. For Fiscal 2011, the assumptions in the Company’s model for Level 3 investments, excluding the ARS Call Option, included a recovery period of five months, a discount factor for yield of 0.1% and illiquidity of 0.5%. For Fiscal 2010, the assumptions in the Company’s model included different recovery periods, ranging from five to 17 months depending on the type of security, and discount factors for yield of 0.2% and illiquidity of 0.5%. These assumptions are subjective and are based on the Company’s current judgment and view of current market conditions. The use of different assumptions would not result in a material change to the valuation.
As a result of the discounted cash flow analysis, no impairment loss on investment securities was recorded for Fiscal 2011. For Fiscal 2010, the Company recognized net impairment loss of $0.6 million, ($0.4 million, net of tax), which increased the total cumulative impairment recognized in OCI from $10.3 million ($6.4 million, net of tax) at the end of Fiscal 2009 to $10.9 million ($6.8 million, net of tax) prior to the Company’s liquidation of auction rate securities during the third quarter of Fiscal 2010. Additionally, during Fiscal 2010, as a result of a credit rating downgrade on student-load backed ARS, the Company recorded a net impairment loss in earnings of $1.2 million, which is recorded within Other Expense on the Consolidated Statements of Operations.
The fair value of the ARS Call Option described in Note 3 to the Consolidated Financial Statements was also estimated using a discounted cash flow model. The model considered potential changes in yields for securities with similar characteristics to the underlying ARS and evaluated possible future refinancing opportunities for the issuers of the ARS. The analysis then assessed the likelihood that the options would be exercisable as a result of the underlying ARS being redeemed or traded in a secondary market at an amount greater than the exercise price prior to the end of the option term. Future changes in the fair values of the ARS Call Option will be recorded within the Consolidated Statements of Operations.
 
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AMERICAN EAGLE OUTFITTERS, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
 
The reconciliation of our assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis using unobservable inputs (Level 3) is as follows:

 	  	Level 3 (Unobservable inputs)	 	
 	  	Total	 	 	Auction-
Rate
Municipal
Securities	 	 	Student
Loan-
Backed
Auction-
Rate
Securities	 	 	Auction-Rate
Preferred
Securities	 	 	ARS Call
Option	 	
 	  	(In thousands)	 	
Balance at January 30, 2010	  	$	202,448	  	 	$	40,244	  	 	$	149,431	  	 	$	12,773	  	 	$	—	  	
Settlements	  	 	(177,472	) 	 	 	(29,101	) 	 	 	(141,246	) 	 	 	(7,125	) 	 	 	—	  	
Gains and (losses):	  				 				 				 				 				
Reported in earnings	  	 	(25,674	) 	 	 	(2,399	) 	 	 	(16,755	) 	 	 	(6,935	) 	 	 	415	  	
Reported in OCI	  	 	10,313	  	 	 	456	  	 	 	8,570	  	 	 	1,287	  	 	 	—	  	
	  	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
Balance at January 29, 2011	  	$	9,615	  	 	$	9,200	  	 	$	—	  	 	$	—	  	 	$	415	  	
	  	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
Settlements	  	 	(3,700	) 	 	 	(3,700	) 	 	 	—	  	 	 	—	  	 	 	—	  	
Gains and (losses):	  				 				 				 				 				
Reported in earnings	  	 	432	  	 	 	—	  	 	 	—	  	 	 	—	  	 	 	432	  	
	  	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
Balance at January 28, 2012	  	$	6,347	  	 	$	5,500	  	 	$	—	  	 	$	—	  	 	$	847	  	
	  	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
Non-Financial Assets
The Company’s non-financial assets, which include goodwill, intangible assets and property and equipment, are not required to be measured at fair value on a recurring basis. However, if certain triggering events occur, or if an annual impairment test is required and the Company is required to evaluate the non-financial instrument for impairment, a resulting asset impairment would require that the non-financial asset be recorded at the estimated fair value. As a result of the Company’s annual goodwill impairment test performed as of January 28, 2012, the Company concluded that its goodwill was not impaired.
Certain long-lived assets were measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis using Level 3 inputs as defined in ASC 820. During Fiscal 2011, certain long-lived assets related to the Company’s retail stores were determined to be unable to recover their respective carrying values and were written down to their fair value, resulting in a loss of $20.7 million, which is recorded as a loss on impairment of assets within the Consolidated Statements of Operations.
Additionally, based on the Company’s decision to close all M+O stores in Fiscal 2010, the Company determined that the M+O stores not previously impaired would not be able to generate sufficient cash flow over the life of the related leases to recover the Company’s initial investment in them. Therefore, during Fiscal 2010, the M+O stores not previously impaired were written down to their fair value, resulting in a loss on impairment of assets of $18.0 million. During Fiscal 2009, certain long-lived assets primarily related to M+O stores were determined to be unable to recover their respective carrying values and were written down to their fair value, resulting in a loss on impairment of assets of $18.0 million. The loss on impairment of M+O assets for all periods presented is included within Loss from Discontinued Operations.
The fair value of the Company’s stores were determined by estimating the amount and timing of net future cash flows and discounting them using a risk-adjusted rate of interest. The Company estimates future cash flows based on its experience and knowledge of the market in which the store is located.
 
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AMERICAN EAGLE OUTFITTERS, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
 
Refer to Note 15 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information regarding the discontinued operations for M+O.
 
5.	Earnings per Share	
The following is a reconciliation between basic and diluted weighted average shares outstanding:

 	  	For the Years Ended	 	
   	  	January 28,
2012	 	  	January 29,
2011	 	  	January 30,
2010	 	
 	  	(In thousands, except per share amounts)	 	
Weighted average common shares outstanding:	  				  				  				
Basic number of common shares outstanding	  	 	194,445	  	  	 	199,979	  	  	 	206,171	  	
Dilutive effect of stock options and non-vested restricted stock	  	 	1,869	  	  	 	1,839	  	  	 	3,341	  	
	  	 	 	 	  	 	 	 	  	 	 	 	
Dilutive number of common shares outstanding	  	 	196,314	  	  	 	201,818	  	  	 	209,512	  	
	  	 	 	 	  	 	 	 	  	 	 	 	
Equity awards to purchase approximately 7.2 million, 7.9 million and 6.6 million shares of common stock during the Fiscal 2011, Fiscal 2010 and Fiscal 2009, respectively, were outstanding, but were not included in the computation of weighted average diluted common share amounts as the effect of doing so would have been anti-dilutive.
Additionally, for Fiscal 2011, Fiscal 2010 and Fiscal 2009, approximately 1.9 million, 0.7 million and 0.4 million shares, respectively, of performance-based restricted stock awards were not included in the computation of weighted average diluted common share amounts because the number of shares ultimately issued is contingent on the Company’s performance compared to pre-established performance goals.
ASC 260-10-45, Participating Securities and the Two-Class Method (“ASC 260-10-45”), addresses whether awards granted in unvested share-based payment transactions that contain non-forfeitable rights to dividends or dividend equivalents (whether paid or unpaid) are participating securities and therefore are included in computing earnings per share under the two-class method, as described in ASC 260, Earnings Per Share . Participating securities are securities that may participate in dividends with common stock and the two-class method is an earnings allocation formula that treats a participating security as having rights to earnings that would otherwise have been available to common shareholders. Under the two-class method, earnings for the period are allocated between common shareholders and other shareholders, based on their respective rights to receive dividends. Restricted stock awards granted to certain employees under the Company’s 2005 Plan are considered participating securities as these employees receive non-forfeitable dividends at the same rate as common stock. There were no participating securities outstanding during Fiscal 2011. During Fiscal 2010 and Fiscal 2009, the allocation of earnings to participating securities was not significant. For Fiscal 2011, Fiscal 2010 and Fiscal 2009, the application of ASC 260-10-45 resulted in no material change to basic or diluted income from continuing operations per common share.
Refer to Note 12 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information regarding share-based compensation.
 
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AMERICAN EAGLE OUTFITTERS, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
 
6.	Accounts Receivable	
Accounts receivable are comprised of the following:

   	  	January 28,
2012	 	  	January 29,
2011	 	
 	  	(In thousands)	 	
Franchise receivable	  	$	20,108	  	  	$	5,183	  	
Marketing cost reimbursements	  	 	4,182	  	  	 	3,553	  	
Gift card receivable	  	 	4,113	  	  	 	3,567	  	
Landlord construction allowances	  	 	3,672	  	  	 	11,739	  	
Insurance claims receivable	  	 	2,071	  	  	 	4,374	  	
Merchandise sell-offs	  	 	1,955	  	  	 	4,539	  	
Taxes	  	 	1,076	  	  	 	1,239	  	
Other	  	 	3,133	  	  	 	2,527	  	
	  	 	 	 	  	 	 	 	
Total	  	$	40,310	  	  	$	36,721	  	

7.	Property and Equipment	
Property and equipment consists of the following:

 	  	January 28,
2012	 	 	January 29,
2011	 	
 	  	(In thousands)	 	
Land	  	$	6,364	  	 	$	6,364	  	
Buildings	  	 	153,538	  	 	 	152,984	  	
Leasehold improvements	  	 	638,496	  	 	 	624,479	  	
Fixtures and equipment	  	 	656,337	  	 	 	647,346	  	
Construction in progress	  	 	3,787	  	 	 	1,629	  	
	  	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
Property and equipment, at cost	  	$	1,458,522	  	 	$	1,432,802	  	
Less: Accumulated depreciation	  	 	(876,360	) 	 	 	(789,682	) 	
	  	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
Property and equipment, net	  	$	582,162	  	 	$	643,120	  	
	  	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
Depreciation expense is summarized as follows:

 	  	For the Years Ended	 	
 	  	January 28,
2012	 	  	January 29,
2011	 	  	January 30,
2010	 	
 	  	(In thousands)	 	
Depreciation expense	  	$	137,934	  	  	$	139,169	  	  	$	137,045	  	
	  	 	 	 	  	 	 	 	  	 	 	 	
Additionally, during Fiscal 2011, Fiscal 2010 and Fiscal 2009, the Company recorded $3.4 million, $2.7 million and $2.3 million, respectively, related to asset write-offs within depreciation and amortization expense.
 
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AMERICAN EAGLE OUTFITTERS, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
 
8.	Intangible Assets	
Intangible assets include costs to acquire and register the Company’s trademark assets. During the Fiscal 2011, the Company purchased $34.2 million of trademark assets primarily to support its international expansion strategy. The following table represents intangible assets as of January 28, 2012 and January 29, 2011:

 	  	January 28,
2012	 	 	January 29,
2011	 	
 	  	(In thousands)	 	
Trademarks, at cost	  	$	44,142	  	 	$	9,967	  	
Less: Accumulated amortization	  	 	(4,310	) 	 	 	(2,482	) 	
	  	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
Intangible assets, net	  	$	39,832	  	 	$	7,485	  	
	  	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
Amortization expense is summarized as follows:

 	  	For the Years Ended	 	
 	  	January 28,
2012	 	  	January 29,
2011	 	  	January 30,
2010	 	
 	  	(In thousands)	 	
Amortization expense	  	$	1,828	  	  	$	625	  	  	$	509	  	
	  	 	 	 	  	 	 	 	  	 	 	 	
The table below summarizes the estimated future amortization expense for intangible assets existing as of January 28, 2012 for the next five Fiscal Years:

 	  	Future
Amortization	 	
 	  	(In thousands)	 	
2012	  	$	1,961	  	
2013	  	 	1,956	  	
2014	  	 	1,956	  	
2015	  	 	1,956	  	
2016	  	 	1,911	  	
 
9.	Other Credit Arrangements	
The Company has borrowing agreements with four separate financial institutions under which it may borrow an aggregate of $245.0 million United States dollars (“USD”) and $25.0 million Canadian dollars (“CAD”). Of this amount, $135.0 million USD can be used for letter of credit issuances, $50.0 million USD and $25.0 million CAD can be used for demand line borrowings and the remaining $60.0 million USD can be used for either letters of credit or demand line borrowings at the Company’s discretion. These lines are provided at the discretion of the respective financial institutions and are subject to their periodic review.
As of January 28, 2012, the Company had outstanding letters of credit of $25.2 million USD and no demand line borrowings.
The availability of any future borrowings is subject to acceptance by the respective financial institutions.
Refer to Note 17 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for a subsequent event footnote related to the Company’s credit facilities.
 
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AMERICAN EAGLE OUTFITTERS, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
 
10.	Leases	
The Company leases all store premises, some of its office space and certain information technology and office equipment. The store leases generally have initial terms of 10 years and are classified as operating leases. Most of these store leases provide for base rentals and the payment of a percentage of sales as additional contingent rent when sales exceed specified levels. Additionally, most leases contain construction allowances and/or rent holidays. In recognizing landlord incentives and minimum rent expense, the Company amortizes the items on a straight-line basis over the lease term (including the pre-opening build-out period).
A summary of fixed minimum and contingent rent expense for all operating leases follows:

 	  	For the Years Ended	 	
 	  	January 28,
2012	 	  	January 29,
2011	 	  	January 30,
2010	 	
 	  	(In thousands)	 	
Store rent:	  				  				  				
Fixed minimum	  	$	251,504	  	  	$	230,277	  	  	$	218,785	  	
Contingent	  	 	7,618	  	  	 	8,182	  	  	 	7,873	  	
	  	 	 	 	  	 	 	 	  	 	 	 	
Total store rent, excluding common area maintenance charges, real estate taxes and certain other expenses	  	$	259,122	  	  	$	238,459	  	  	$	226,658	  	
Offices, distribution facilities, equipment and other	  	 	17,405	  	  	 	16,722	  	  	 	17,391	  	
	  	 	 	 	  	 	 	 	  	 	 	 	
Total rent expense	  	$	276,527	  	  	$	255,181	  	  	$	244,049	  	
	  	 	 	 	  	 	 	 	  	 	 	 	
In addition, the Company is typically responsible under its store, office and distribution center leases for tenant occupancy costs, including maintenance costs, common area charges, real estate taxes and certain other expenses.
The table below summarizes future minimum lease obligations, consisting of fixed minimum rent, under operating leases in effect at January 28, 2012:

Fiscal years:	  	Future Minimum
Lease  Obligations	 	
 	  	(In thousands)	 	
2012	  	$	255,576	  	
2013	  	 	241,878	  	
2014	  	 	222,931	  	
2015	  	 	207,248	  	
2016	  	 	183,881	  	
Thereafter	  	 	612,557	  	
	  	 	 	 	
Total	  	$	1,724,071	  	

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AMERICAN EAGLE OUTFITTERS, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
 
11.	Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	
The accumulated balances of other comprehensive (loss) income included as part of the Consolidated Statements of Stockholders’ Equity follow:

 	  	Before
Tax
Amount	 	 	Tax
Benefit
(Expense)	 	 	Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
(Loss) Income	 	
 	  	(In thousands)	 	
Balance at January 31, 2009	  	$	(27,835	) 	 	$	13,446	  	 	$	(14,389	) 	
	  	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
Temporary reversal of impairment related to ARS	  	 	24,041	  	 	 	(9,535	) 	 	 	14,506	  	
Reclassification adjustment for realized losses in net income related to investment securities	  	 	940	  	 	 	—	  	 	 	940	  	
Foreign currency translation gain	  	 	15,781	  	 	 	—	  	 	 	15,781	  	
	  	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
Balance at January 30, 2010	  	$	12,927	  	 	$	3,911	  	 	$	16,838	  	
	  	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
Temporary impairment related to ARS	  	 	(1,830	) 	 	 	690	  	 	 	(1,140	) 	
Reclassification adjustment for realized losses in net income related to investment securities	  	 	12,142	  	 	 	(4,601	) 	 	 	7,541	  	
Foreign currency translation gain	  	 	4,833	  	 	 	—	  	 	 	4,833	  	
	  	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
Balance at January 29, 2011	  	$	28,072	  	 	$	—	  	 	$	28,072	  	
	  	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
Foreign currency translation gain	  	 	587	  	 	 	—	  	 	 	587	  	
	  	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
Balance at January 28, 2012	  	$	28,659	  	 	$	—	  	 	$	28,659	  	
	  	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
Accumulated other comprehensive income consists only of foreign currency translation adjustment as of January 28, 2012 and January 29, 2011.
 
12.	Share-Based Payments	
The Company accounts for share-based compensation under the provisions of ASC 718, Compensation — Stock Compensation (“ASC 718”), which requires the Company to measure and recognize compensation expense for all share-based payments at fair value. Total share-based compensation expense included in the Consolidated Statements of Operations for Fiscal 2011, Fiscal 2010 and Fiscal 2009 was $12.3 million ($7.6 million, net of tax), $25.5 million ($15.7 million, net of tax) and $34.6 million ($21.4 million, net of tax), respectively.
ASC 718 requires recognition of compensation cost under a non-substantive vesting period approach for awards containing provisions that accelerate or continue vesting upon retirement. Accordingly, for awards with such provisions, the Company recognizes compensation expense over the period from the grant date to the date retirement eligibility is achieved, if that is expected to occur during the nominal vesting period. Additionally, for awards granted to retirement eligible employees, the full compensation cost of an award must be recognized immediately upon grant.
At January 28, 2012, the Company had awards outstanding under three share-based compensation plans, which are described below.
Share-based compensation plans
1994 Stock Option Plan
On February 10, 1994, the Company’s Board adopted the American Eagle Outfitters, Inc. 1994 Stock Option Plan (the “1994 Plan”). The 1994 Plan provided for the grant of 12.2 million incentive or non-qualified
 
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AMERICAN EAGLE OUTFITTERS, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
 
options to purchase common stock. The 1994 Plan was subsequently amended to increase the shares available for grant to 24.3 million shares. Additionally, the amendment provided that the maximum number of options that may be granted to any individual may not exceed 8.1 million shares. The options granted under the 1994 Plan were approved by the Compensation Committee of the Board, primarily vest over five years, and expire 10 years from the date of grant. The 1994 Plan terminated on January 2, 2004 with all rights of the optionees and all unexpired options continuing in force and operation after the termination.
1999 Stock Incentive Plan
The 1999 Stock Option Plan (the “1999 Plan”) was approved by the stockholders on June 8, 1999. The 1999 Plan authorized 18.0 million shares for issuance in the form of stock options, stock appreciation rights (“SAR”), restricted stock awards, performance units or performance shares. The 1999 Plan was subsequently amended to increase the shares available for grant to 33.0 million. Additionally, the 1999 Plan provided that the maximum number of shares awarded to any individual may not exceed 9.0 million shares. The 1999 Plan allowed the Compensation Committee to determine which employees and consultants received awards and the terms and conditions of these awards. The 1999 Plan provided for a grant of 1,875 stock options quarterly (not to be adjusted for stock splits) to each director who is not an officer or employee of the Company starting in August 2003. The Company ceased making these quarterly stock option grants in June 2005. Under this plan, 33.2 million non-qualified stock options and 6.7 million shares of restricted stock were granted to employees and certain non-employees (without considering cancellations to date of awards for 9.7 million shares). Approximately 33% of the options granted were to vest over eight years after the date of grant but were accelerated as the Company met annual performance goals. Approximately 34% of the options granted under the 1999 Plan vest over three years, 23% vest over five years and the remaining grants vest over one year. All options expire after 10 years. Performance-based restricted stock was earned if the Company met established performance goals. The 1999 Plan terminated on June 15, 2005 with all rights of the awardees and all unexpired awards continuing in force and operation after the termination.
2005 Stock Award and Incentive Plan
The 2005 Plan was approved by the stockholders on June 15, 2005. The 2005 Plan authorized 18.4 million shares for issuance, of which 6.4 million shares are available for full value awards in the form of restricted stock awards, restricted stock units or other full value stock awards and 12.0 million shares are available for stock options, SAR, dividend equivalents, performance awards or other non-full value stock awards. The 2005 Plan was subsequently amended in Fiscal 2009 to increase the shares available for grant to 31.9 million without taking into consideration 9.1 million non-qualified stock options, 2.9 million shares of restricted stock and 0.2 million shares of common stock that had been previously granted under the 2005 plan to employees and directors (without considering cancellations as of January 31, 2009 of awards for 2.9 million shares). The 2005 Plan provides that the maximum number of shares awarded to any individual may not exceed 6.0 million shares per year for options and SAR and no more than 4.0 million shares may be granted with respect to each of restricted shares of stock and restricted stock units plus any unused carryover limit from the previous year. The 2005 Plan allows the Compensation Committee of the Board to determine which employees receive awards and the terms and conditions of the awards that are mandatory under the 2005 Plan. The 2005 Plan provides for grants to directors who are not officers or employees of the Company, which are not to exceed 20,000 shares per year (not to be adjusted for stock splits). Through January 28, 2012, 14.4 million non-qualified stock options, 8.0 million shares of restricted stock and 0.5 million shares of common stock had been granted under the 2005 Plan to employees and directors (without considering cancellations to date of awards for 7.5 million shares). Approximately 99% of the options granted under the 2005 Plan vest over three years and 1% vest over five years. Options were granted for ten and seven year terms. Approximately 62% of the restricted stock awards are performance-based and are earned if the Company meets established performance goals. The remaining 38% of the restricted stock awards are time-based and vest over three years.
 
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AMERICAN EAGLE OUTFITTERS, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
 
Stock Option Grants
The Company grants both time-based and performance-based stock options under the 2005 Plan. Time-based stock option awards vest over the requisite service period of the award or to an employee’s eligible retirement date, if earlier. Performance-based stock option awards vest over three years and are earned if the Company meets pre-established performance goals during each year.
A summary of the Company’s stock option activity under all plans for Fiscal 2011 follows:

 	  	For the Year Ended January 28, 2012	 	
 	  	Options	 	 	Weighted-
Average
Exercise
Price	 	  	Weighted-
Average
Remaining
Contractual
Term	 	  	Aggregate
Intrinsic
Value	 	
 	  	(In thousands)	 	 	 	 	  	(In years)	 	  	(In thousands)	 	
Outstanding — January 29, 2011	  	 	12,124	  	 	$	15.25	  	  				  				
Granted	  	 	47	  	 	$	15.02	  	  				  				
Exercised(1)	  	 	(544	) 	 	$	9.38	  	  				  				
Cancelled	  	 	(430	) 	 	$	21.18	  	  				  				
	  	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	  	 	 	 	  	 	 	 	
Outstanding — January 28, 2012	  	 	11,197	  	 	$	15.31	  	  	 	2.2	  	  	$	29,567	  	
	  	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	  	 	 	 	  	 	 	 	
Vested and expected to vest — January 28, 2012	  	 	11,077	  	 	$	15.33	  	  	 	2.2	  	  	$	29,303	  	
	  	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	  	 	 	 	  	 	 	 	
Exercisable — January 28, 2012(2)	  	 	3,691	  	 	$	6.87	  	  	 	1.5	  	  	$	26,264	  	

(1)	Options exercised during Fiscal 2011 ranged in price from $4.54 to $12.30.	
 
(2)	Options exercisable represent “in-the-money” vested options based upon the weighted average exercise price of vested options compared to the Company’s stock price at January 28, 2012.	
The weighted-average grant date fair value of stock options granted during Fiscal 2011, Fiscal 2010 and Fiscal 2009 was $4.73, $5.19 and $3.86, respectively. The aggregate intrinsic value of options exercised during Fiscal 2011, Fiscal 2010 and Fiscal 2009 was $2.8 million, $11.7 million and $11.7 million, respectively. Cash received from the exercise of stock options and the actual tax benefit realized from share-based payments was $5.1 million and $0.4 million, respectively, for Fiscal 2011. Cash received from the exercise of stock options and the actual tax benefit realized from share-based payments was $7.3 million and $15.6 million, respectively, for Fiscal 2010. Cash received from the exercise of stock options and the actual tax benefit realized from share-based payments was $9.0 million and $8.0 million, respectively, for Fiscal 2009.
The fair value of stock options was estimated at the date of grant using a Black-Scholes option pricing model with the following weighted-average assumptions:

 	  	For the Years Ended	 	
Black-Scholes Option Valuation Assumptions	  	January 28,
2012	 	 	January 29,
2011	 	 	January 30,
2010	 	
Risk-free interest rates(1)	  	 	2.1	% 	 	 	2.3	% 	 	 	1.7	% 	
Dividend yield	  	 	2.6	% 	 	 	2.1	% 	 	 	3.4	% 	
Volatility factors of the expected market price of the Company’s common stock(2)	  	 	42.7	% 	 	 	40.2	% 	 	 	56.9	% 	
Weighted-average expected term(3)	  	 	5.0 	years 	 	 	4.5 	years 	 	 	4.1 	years 	
Expected forfeiture rate(4)	  	 	8.0	% 	 	 	8.0	% 	 	 	8.0	% 	

(1)	Based on the U.S. Treasury yield curve in effect at the time of grant with a term consistent with the expected life of our stock options.	
 
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AMERICAN EAGLE OUTFITTERS, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
 
(2)	Based on a combination of historical volatility of the Company’s common stock and implied volatility.	
 
(3)	Represents the period of time options are expected to be outstanding. The weighted average expected option term for the years ended January 28, 2012, January 29, 2011 and January 30, 2010 were determined based on historical experience.	
 
(4)	Based on historical experience.	
As of January 28, 2012, there was $1.3 million of unrecognized compensation expense related to nonvested stock option awards that is expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of 11 months.
Restricted Stock Grants
Time-based restricted stock awards are comprised of time-based restricted stock units. These awards vest over three years; however, they may be accelerated to vest over one year if the Company meets pre-established performance goals in the year of grant. Time-based restricted stock units receive dividend equivalents in the form of additional time-based restricted stock units, which are subject to the same restrictions and forfeiture provisions as the original award.
Performance-based restricted stock awards include performance-based restricted stock units. These awards cliff vest at the end of a three year period based upon the Company’s achievement of pre-established goals throughout the term of the award. Performance-based restricted stock units receive dividend equivalents in the form of additional performance-based restricted stock units, which are subject to the same restrictions and forfeiture provisions as the original award.
The grant date fair value of all restricted stock awards is based on the closing market price of the Company’s common stock on the date of grant.
A summary of the activity of the Company’s restricted stock is presented in the following tables:

 	 	Time-Based Restricted
Stock  Units	 	 	Performance-Based  Restricted
Stock Units	 	
 	 	For the year ended
January 28, 2012	 	 	For the year ended
January 28, 2012	 	
 	 	Shares	 	 	Weighted-Average
Grant  Date
Fair Value	 	 	Shares	 	 	Weighted-Average
Grant  Date
Fair Value	 	
 	 	(Shares in thousands)	 	
Nonvested — January 29, 2011	 	 	877	  	 	$	17.45	  	 	 	630	  	 	$	12.59	  	
Granted	 	 	1,406	  	 	 	15.03	  	 	 	1,240	  	 	 	15.03	  	
Vested	 	 	(372	) 	 	 	17.45	  	 	 	—	  	 	 	—	  	
Cancelled/Forfeited	 	 	(127	) 	 	 	16.04	  	 	 	(108	) 	 	 	12.64	  	
	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
Nonvested — January 28, 2012	 	 	1,784	  	 	$	15.73	  	 	 	1,762	  	 	$	14.23	  	
As of January 28, 2012, there was $17.3 million of unrecognized compensation expense related to nonvested time-based restricted stock unit awards that is expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of 1.8 years. The total fair value of restricted stock awards vested during Fiscal 2011, Fiscal 2010 and Fiscal 2009 was $5.6 million, $46.2 million and $0.6 million, respectively.
As of January 28, 2012, the Company had 25.3 million shares available for all equity grants.
 
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AMERICAN EAGLE OUTFITTERS, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
 
13.	Retirement Plan and Employee Stock Purchase Plan	
The Company maintains a profit sharing and 401(k) plan (the “Retirement Plan”). Under the provisions of the Retirement Plan, full-time employees and part-time employees are automatically enrolled to contribute 3% of their salary if they have attained 20  1 / 2 years of age. In addition, full-time employees need to have completed 60 days of service and part-time employees must complete 1,000 hours worked to be eligible. Individuals can decline enrollment or can contribute up to 50% of their salary to the 401(k) plan on a pretax basis, subject to IRS limitations. After one year of service, the Company will match 100% of the first 3% of pay plus an additional 50% of the next 3% of pay that is contributed to the plan. Contributions to the profit sharing plan, as determined by the Board, are discretionary. The Company recognized $9.1 million, $11.7 million and $5.9 million in expense during Fiscal 2011, Fiscal 2010 and Fiscal 2009, respectively, in connection with the Retirement Plan.
The Employee Stock Purchase Plan is a non-qualified plan that covers all full-time employees and part-time employees who are at least 18 years old and have completed 60 days of service. Contributions are determined by the employee, with the Company matching 15% of the investment up to a maximum investment of $100 per pay period. These contributions are used to purchase shares of Company stock in the open market.
 
14.	Income Taxes	
The components of income before income taxes from continuing operations were:

 	  	For the Years Ended	 	
 	  	January 28,
2012	 	  	January 29,
2011	 	  	January 30,
2010	 	
 	  	(In thousands)	 	
U.S.	  	$	218,153	  	  	$	258,408	  	  	$	269,932	  	
Foreign	  	 	18,857	  	  	 	36,676	  	  	 	34,443	  	
	  	 	 	 	  	 	 	 	  	 	 	 	
Total	  	$	237,010	  	  	$	295,084	  	  	$	304,375	  	

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AMERICAN EAGLE OUTFITTERS, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
 
The significant components of the Company’s deferred tax assets and liabilities were as follows:

 	  	January 28,
2012	 	 	January 29,
2011	 	
 	  	(In thousands)	 	
Deferred tax assets:	  				 				
Deferred compensation	  	$	31,379	  	 	$	30,801	  	
Rent	  	 	27,642	  	 	 	25,145	  	
Foreign tax credits	  	 	22,302	  	 	 	25,498	  	
Capital loss carryforward	  	 	18,440	  	 	 	20,381	  	
Inventories	  	 	11,734	  	 	 	10,432	  	
Foreign and state income taxes	  	 	6,723	  	 	 	7,575	  	
Employee compensation and benefits	  	 	6,345	  	 	 	4,942	  	
State tax credits	  	 	6,105	  	 	 	5,866	  	
Other	  	 	9,650	  	 	 	8,547	  	
	  	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
Gross deferred tax assets	  	 	140,320	  	 	 	139,187	  	
Valuation allowance	  	 	(18,440	) 	 	 	(20,381	) 	
	  	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
Total deferred tax assets	  	$	121,880	  	 	$	118,806	  	
	  	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
Deferred tax liabilities:	  				 				
Property and equipment	  	$	(55,503	) 	 	$	(47,852	) 	
Prepaid expenses	  	 	(4,149	) 	 	 	(3,279	) 	
	  	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
Total deferred tax liabilities	  	$	(59,652	) 	 	$	(51,131	) 	
	  	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
Total deferred tax assets, net	  	$	62,228	  	 	$	67,675	  	
	  	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
Classification in the Consolidated Balance Sheet:	  				 				
Current deferred tax assets	  	$	48,761	  	 	$	48,059	  	
Noncurrent deferred tax assets	  	 	13,467	  	 	 	19,616	  	
	  	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
Total deferred tax assets	  	$	62,228	  	 	$	67,675	  	
	  	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
The net decrease in deferred tax assets and liabilities was primarily due to an increase in the deferred tax liability for property and equipment basis differences.
Significant components of the provision for income taxes from continuing operations were as follows:

 	  	For the Years Ended	 	
 	  	January 28,
2012	 	 	January 29,
2011	 	 	January 30,
2010	 	
 	  	(In thousands)	 	
Current:	  				 				 				
Federal	  	$	63,631	  	 	$	89,110	  	 	$	92,074	  	
Foreign taxes	  	 	6,621	  	 	 	13,429	  	 	 	14,526	  	
State	  	 	10,841	  	 	 	9,610	  	 	 	13,575	  	
	  	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
Total current	  	 	81,093	  	 	 	112,149	  	 	 	120,175	  	
	  	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
Deferred:	  				 				 				
Federal	  	$	7,158	  	 	$	(310	) 	 	$	(32,361	) 	
Foreign taxes	  	 	(1,120	) 	 	 	(991	) 	 	 	6,513	  	
State	  	 	(1,826	) 	 	 	2,302	  	 	 	(3,350	) 	
	  	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
Total deferred	  	 	4,212	  	 	 	1,001	  	 	 	(29,198	) 	
	  	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
Provision for income taxes	  	$	85,305	  	 	$	113,150	  	 	$	90,977	  	

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AMERICAN EAGLE OUTFITTERS, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
 
As a result of additional tax deductions related to share-based payments, tax benefits have been recognized as contributed capital for Fiscal 2011, Fiscal 2010 and Fiscal 2009 in the amounts of $0.4 million, $15.6 million and $8.0 million, respectively.
During Fiscal 2009, the Company approved and repatriated $91.7 million from its Canadian subsidiaries. The proceeds from the repatriation were used for general corporate purposes. The Company plans to indefinitely reinvest accumulated earnings of our Canadian subsidiaries outside of the United States to the extent not repatriated in Fiscal 2009. Accordingly, no provision for U.S. income taxes has been provided thereon. Upon distribution of those earnings in the form of dividends or otherwise, the Company would be subject to income and withholding taxes offset by foreign tax credits. As of January 28, 2012 and January 29, 2011, the unremitted earnings of our Canadian subsidiaries were $72.0 million (USD) and $57.1 million (USD), respectively.
As of January 28, 2012, the gross amount of unrecognized tax benfits was $31.6 million, of which $22.8 million would affect the effective income tax rate if recognized. The gross amount of unrecognized tax benefits as of January 29, 2011 was $31.1 million, of which $22.7 million would affect the effective income tax rate if recognized.
The following table summarizes the activity related to our unrecognized tax benefits:

 	  	For the Years Ended	 	
 	  	January 28,
2012	 	 	January 29,
2011	 	 	January 30,
2010	 	
 	  	(In thousands)	 	
Unrecognized tax benefits, beginning of the year balance	  	$	31,108	  	 	$	31,649	  	 	$	41,080	  	
Increases in tax positions of prior periods	  	 	932	  	 	 	1,069	  	 	 	1,679	  	
Decreases in tax positions of prior periods	  	 	(2,106	) 	 	 	(3,801	) 	 	 	(13,457	) 	
Increases in current period tax positions	  	 	2,782	  	 	 	2,707	  	 	 	14,842	  	
Settlements	  	 	(1,073	) 	 	 	(6	) 	 	 	(6,204	) 	
Lapse of statute of limitations	  	 	(65	) 	 	 	(510	) 	 	 	(6,291	) 	
	  	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
Unrecognized tax benefits, end of the year balance	  	$	31,578	  	 	$	31,108	  	 	$	31,649	  	
	  	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
Unrecognized tax benefits increased by $0.5 million during Fiscal 2011 and decreased by $0.5 million during Fiscal 2010. Over the next twelve months the Company believes that it is reasonably possible that unrecognized tax benefits may decrease by approximately $2.9 million due to settlements, expiration of statute of limitations or other changes in unrecognized tax benefits.
The Company records accrued interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits in income tax expense. Accrued interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits included in the Consolidated Balance Sheet were $7.9 million and $7.6 million as of January 28, 2012 and January 29, 2011, respectively. During Fiscal 2009, the Company recognized a net benefit of $3.3 million in the provision for income taxes related to the reversal of accrued interest and penalties primarily due to federal and state income tax settlements. An immaterial amount of interest and penalties were recognized in the provision for income taxes during Fiscal 2011 and Fiscal 2010.
The Company and its subsidiaries file income tax returns in the U.S. federal jurisdiction and various state and foreign jurisdictions. The Internal Revenue Service (“IRS”) examination of the Company’s U.S. federal income tax returns for the tax years ended July 2008 and January 2009 was completed in April of 2011. Accordingly, all years prior to January 2010 are no longer subject to U.S. federal income tax examinations by tax
 
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AMERICAN EAGLE OUTFITTERS, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
 
authorities. An IRS examination of the January 2010 federal income tax return is scheduled to be completed in Fiscal 2012. The Company does not anticipate that any adjustments will result in a material change to its financial position, results of operations or cash flow. With respect to state and local jurisdictions and countries outside of the United States, with limited exceptions, generally, the Company and its subsidiaries are no longer subject to income tax audits for tax years before 2005. Although the outcome of tax audits is always uncertain, the Company believes that adequate amounts of tax, interest and penalties have been provided for any adjustments that are expected to result from these years.
The Company has foreign tax credit carryovers in the amount of $22.3 million and $25.5 million as of January 28, 2012 and January 29, 2011, respectively. The foreign tax credit carryovers expire in Fiscal 2019 to the extent not utilized. No valuation allowance has been recorded on the foreign tax credit carryovers as the Company believes it is more likely than not the foreign tax credits will be utilized prior to expiration.
The Company has been certified to qualify for nonrefundable incentive tax credits in Kansas for additional expenditures related to the Ottawa, Kansas distribution center. As a result, the Company has a deferred tax asset related to Kansas tax credit carryforwards of $6.1 million (net of federal income taxes) as of January 28, 2012. These tax credits can be utilized to offset future Kansas income taxes and have a carryforward period of 10-16 years. They will begin to expire in Fiscal 2018. Due to a favorable incentive agreement with the Kansas Department of Commerce in Fiscal 2010, the Company released a $5.0 million valuation allowance that had been previously recorded related to the Company’s Kansas tax credit carryforward.
During Fiscal 2010 and 2009, the Company recorded a valuation allowance against deferred tax assets arising from the disposition or other than temporary impairment of certain investment securities. The disposition of the investment securities results in a capital loss that can only be utilized to the extent of capital gains. These capital losses are subject to a three year carryback period and a five year carryforward period for tax purposes. The capital losses generally will expire in Fiscal 2014 through Fiscal 2015. Due to the contingencies related to the future use of these capital losses, we believe it is more likely than not that the full benefit of this asset will not be realized within the carryforward period. Thus, the Company has recorded a valuation allowance against the deferred tax assets arising from the other than temporary impairment or disposition of these investment securities. The valuation allowance related to these investment securities was $18.4 million and $20.4 million as of January 28, 2012 and January 29, 2011, respectively.
A reconciliation between the statutory federal income tax rate and the effective income tax rate from continuing operations follows:

 	  	For the Years Ended	 	
 	  	January 28,
2012	 	 	January 29,
2011	 	 	January 30,
2010	 	
Federal income tax rate	  	 	35	% 	 	 	35	% 	 	 	35	% 	
State income taxes, net of federal income tax effect	  	 	3	  	 	 	3	  	 	 	3	  	
Valuation allowance changes, net	  	 	(1	) 	 	 	1	  	 	 	1	  	
Tax settlements	  	 	(1	) 	 	 	(1	) 	 	 	(4	) 	
Canadian earnings repatriation	  	 	—	  	 	 	—	  	 	 	(5	) 	
	  	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
	  	 	36	% 	 	 	38	% 	 	 	30	% 	

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AMERICAN EAGLE OUTFITTERS, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
 
15.	Discontinued Operations	
On March 5, 2010, the Company’s Board approved management’s recommendation to proceed with the closure of the M+O brand. The Company completed the closure of the M+O stores and e-commerce operation during the second quarter of Fiscal 2010. These Consolidated Financial Statements reflect the results of M+O as discontinued operations for all periods presented.
Costs associated with exit or disposal activities are recorded when incurred. A summary of the exit and disposal costs recognized within Loss from Discontinued Operations on the Consolidated Income Statement for Fiscal 2010 are included in the table as follows. There were no exit or disposal costs recognized in Fiscal 2011 or Fiscal 2009. The Loss from Discontinued Operations for Fiscal 2010 and Fiscal 2009 includes pre-tax asset impairment charges of $18.0 million in both years.

 	  	For the Year Ended	 	
 	  	January 29,
2011	 	
 	  	(In thousands)	 	
Non-cash charges	  				
Asset impairments	  	$	17,980	  	
Cash charges	  				
Lease-related charges(1)	  	 	15,377	  	
Inventory charges	  	 	2,422	  	
Severence charges	  	 	7,660	  	
	  	 	 	 	
Total charges	  	$	43,439	  	

(1)	Presented net of the reversal of non-cash lease credits.	
The table below presents the significant components of M+O’s results included in Loss from Discontinued Operations on the Consolidated Statements of Operations for the years ended January 29, 2011 and January 30, 2010, respectively. There was no loss from discontinued operations for the year ended January 28, 2012.

 	  	For the Years Ended	 	
 	  	January 29,
2011	 	 	January 30,
2010	 	
 	  	(In thousands)	 	
Net sales	  	$	21,881	  	 	$	50,251	  	
	  	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
Loss from discontinued operations, before income taxes	  	$	(66,959	) 	 	$	(71,984	) 	
Income tax benefit	  	 	25,672	  	 	 	27,608	  	
	  	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
Loss from discontinued operations, net of tax	  	$	(41,287	) 	 	$	(44,376	) 	
	  	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
Loss per common share from discontinued operations:	  				 				
Basic	  	$	(0.21	) 	 	$	(0.22	) 	
Diluted	  	$	(0.20	) 	 	$	(0.21	) 	
There were no assets or liabilities included in the Consolidated Balance Sheets for M+O as of January 28, 2012 or January 29, 2011.
 
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AMERICAN EAGLE OUTFITTERS, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
 
16.	Quarterly Financial Information — Unaudited	
The sum of the quarterly EPS amounts may not equal the full year amount as the computations of the weighted average shares outstanding for each quarter and the full year are calculated independently.

 	  	Fiscal 2011
Quarters Ended	 	
 	  	April 30,
2011	 	 	July 30,
2011	 	 	October 29,
2011	 	 	January 28,
2012	 	
 	  	(In thousands, except per share amounts)	 	
Net sales	  	$	609,562	  	 	$	675,703	  	 	$	831,826	  	 	$	1,042,727	  	
	  	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
Gross profit	  	$	231,761	  	 	$	232,061	  	 	$	308,967	  	 	$	355,552	  	
	  	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
Income from continuing operations	  	 	28,325	  	 	 	19,669	  	 	 	52,427	  	 	 	51,284	  	
Loss from discontinued operations	  	 	—	  	 	 	—	  	 	 	—	  	 	 	—	  	
	  	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
Net income	  	$	28,325	  	 	$	19,669	  	 	$	52,427	  	 	$	51,284	  	
	  	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
Basic per common share amounts:	  				 				 				 				
Income from continuing operations	  	$	0.15	  	 	$	0.10	  	 	$	0.27	  	 	$	0.26	  	
Loss from discontinued operations	  	 	—	  	 	 	—	  	 	 	—	  	 	 	—	  	
	  	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
Basic net income per common share	  	$	0.15	  	 	$	0.10	  	 	$	0.27	  	 	$	0.26	  	
	  	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
Diluted per common share amounts:	  				 				 				 				
Income from continuing operations	  	$	0.14	  	 	$	0.10	  	 	$	0.27	  	 	$	0.26	  	
Loss from discontinued operations	  	 	—	  	 	 	—	  	 	 	—	  	 	 	—	  	
	  	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
Diluted net income per common share	  	$	0.14	  	 	$	0.10	  	 	$	0.27	  	 	$	0.26	  	

 	  	Fiscal 2010
Quarters Ended	 	
 	  	May 1,
2010	 	 	July 31,
2010	 	 	October 30,
2010	 	 	January 29,
2011	 	
 	  	(In thousands, except per share amounts)	 	
Net sales	  	$	648,462	  	 	$	651,502	  	 	$	751,507	  	 	$	916,088	  	
	  	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
Gross profit	  	$	257,696	  	 	$	239,708	  	 	$	312,309	  	 	$	361,246	  	
	  	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
Income from continuing operations	  	 	35,862	  	 	 	25,843	  	 	 	33,191	  	 	 	87,038	  	
Loss from discontinued operations	  	 	(24,940	) 	 	 	(16,180	) 	 	 	(167	) 	 	 	—	  	
	  	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
Net income	  	$	10,922	  	 	$	9,663	  	 	$	33,024	  	 	$	87,038	  	
	  	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
Basic per common share amounts:	  				 				 				 				
Income from continuing operations	  	$	0.17	  	 	$	0.13	  	 	$	0.17	  	 	$	0.45	  	
Loss from discontinued operations	  	 	(0.12	) 	 	 	(0.08	) 	 	 	—	  	 	 	—	  	
	  	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
Basic net income per common share	  	$	0.05	  	 	$	0.05	  	 	$	0.17	  	 	$	0.45	  	
	  	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
Diluted per common share amounts:	  				 				 				 				
Income from continuing operations	  	$	0.17	  	 	$	0.13	  	 	$	0.17	  	 	$	0.44	  	
Loss from discontinued operations	  	 	(0.12	) 	 	 	(0.08	) 	 	 	—	  	 	 	—	  	
	  	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
Diluted net income per common share	  	$	0.05	  	 	$	0.05	  	 	$	0.17	  	 	$	0.44	  	

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AMERICAN EAGLE OUTFITTERS, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
 
17.	Subsequent Events	
On March 2, 2012, the Company entered into a five-year, $150.0 million syndicated, unsecured, revolving credit agreement (the “Credit Agreement”). The primary purpose of the Credit Agreement is to provide additional access to capital for general corporate purposes and the issuance of letters of credit. The Credit Agreement replaced the uncommitted demand lines in the aggregate amount of $110.0 million USD and $25.0 million CAD.
The Credit Agreement will mature on March 2, 2017. Stand-by letters of credit totaling approximately $8.5 million were outstanding under the Credit Agreement on March 15, 2012. No borrowings were outstanding under the Credit Agreement on March 15, 2012.
Refer to Note 9 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information regarding other credit arrangements.
 
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 ITEM 9.	CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE. 	
None.
 ITEM 9A.     CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES. 
Disclosure Controls and Procedures
We maintain disclosure controls and procedures that are designed to provide reasonable assurance that information required to be disclosed in our reports under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”), is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the SEC’s rules and forms, and that such information is accumulated and communicated to the management of American Eagle Outfitters, Inc. (the “Management”), including our Principal Executive Officer and our Principal Financial Officer, as appropriate, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure. In designing and evaluating the disclosure controls and procedures, Management recognized that any controls and procedures, no matter how well designed and operated, can provide only reasonable assurance of achieving the desired control objectives.
In connection with the preparation of this Annual Report on Form 10-K as of January 28, 2012, an evaluation was performed under the supervision and with the participation of our Management, including the Principal Executive Officer and Principal Financial Officer, of the effectiveness of the design and operation of the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rule 13a-15(e) under the Exchange Act). Based upon that evaluation, our Principal Executive Officer and our Principal Financial Officer have concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures were effective at the reasonable assurance level as of the end of the period covered by this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
Management’s Annual Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
Our Management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Rule 13a-15(f) under the Exchange Act). Our internal control over financial reporting is designed to provide a reasonable assurance to our Management and our Board regarding the preparation and fair presentation of published financial statements.
All internal control systems, no matter how well designed, have inherent limitations. Therefore, even those systems determined to be effective can provide only reasonable assurance with respect to financial statement preparation and presentation.
Our Management assessed the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting as of January 28, 2012. In making this assessment, our Management used the criteria set forth by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO) in Internal Control — Integrated Framework. Based on this assessment, our Management concluded that we maintained effective internal control over financial reporting as of January 28, 2012.
The Company’s independent registered public accounting firm that audited the financial statements included in this Annual Report issued an attestation report on the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.
Changes in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
There were no changes in our internal control over financial reporting during the three months ended January 28, 2012 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.
 
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Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
The Board of Directors and Stockholders of
American Eagle Outfitters, Inc.
We have audited American Eagle Outfitters, Inc.’s internal control over financial reporting as of January 28, 2012, based on criteria established in Internal Control — Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (the COSO criteria). American Eagle Outfitters, Inc.’s management is responsible for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting, and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting included in the accompanying Management’s Annual Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company’s internal control over financial reporting based on our audit.
We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects. Our audit included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk, and performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.
A company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. A company’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (1) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (2) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (3) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use or disposition of the company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.
Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.
In our opinion, American Eagle Outfitters, Inc. maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of January 28, 2012, based on the COSO criteria.
We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the consolidated balance sheets of American Eagle Outfitters, Inc. as of January 28, 2012 and January 29, 2011 and the related consolidated statements of operations, comprehensive income, stockholders’ equity, and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended January 28, 2012 of American Eagle Outfitters, Inc. and our report dated March 15, 2012 expressed an unqualified opinion thereon.
/s/    Ernst & Young LLP
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
March 15, 2012
 
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 ITEM 9B.     OTHER INFORMATION. 
Not applicable.
PART III
 ITEM 10.     DIRECTORS, EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE. 
The information appearing under the captions “Proposal One: Election of Directors,” “Executive Officers,” “Section 16(a) Beneficial Ownership Reporting Compliance,” “Corporate Governance Information,” and “Board Committees” in our Proxy Statement relating to our 2012 Annual Meeting of Stockholders is  incorporated herein by reference.
 ITEM 11.     EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION. 
The information appearing under the caption “Compensation Discussion and Analysis,” “Executive Officer Compensation,” “Director Compensation,” and “Compensation Committee Interlocks and Insider Participation” in our Proxy Statement relating to our 2012 Annual Meeting of Stockholders is incorporated  herein by reference.
 ITEM12.     SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS. 
The information appearing under the captions “Security Ownership of Principal Stockholders and Management” in our Proxy Statement relating to our 2012 Annual Meeting of Stockholders is incorporated herein by reference.
 ITEM 13.     CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS, AND DIRECTOR INDEPENDENCE. 
The information appearing under the caption “Certain Relationships and Related Transactions” and “Board Committees” in our Proxy Statement relating to our 2012 Annual Meeting of Stockholders is incorporated herein by reference.
 ITEM 14.     PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTING FEES AND SERVICES. 
The information appearing under the caption “Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm Fees and Services” in our Proxy Statement relating to our 2012 Annual Meeting of Stockholders is  incorporated herein by reference.
PART IV
 ITEM 15.     EXHIBITS AND FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES. 
(a)(1)  The following consolidated financial statements are included in Item 8:

Consolidated Balance Sheets as of January 28, 2012 and January 29, 2011	
Consolidated Statements of Operations for the fiscal years ended January 28, 2012, January 29, 2011 and January 30, 2010	
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income for the fiscal years ended January 28, 2012, January 29, 2011 and January 30, 2010	
Consolidated Statements of Stockholders’ Equity for the fiscal years ended January 28, 2012, January 29, 2011 and January 30, 2010	
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the fiscal years ended January 28, 2012, January 29, 2011 and January 30, 2010	
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements	
(a)(2)  Financial statement schedules have been omitted because either they are not required or are not applicable or because the information required to be set forth therein is not material.
 
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(a)(3)  Exhibits

Exhibit
Number	  	Description	
		
  3.1	  	Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation, as amended(1)	
		
  3.2	  	Amended and Restated Bylaws(2)	
		
  4.1	  	See Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation, as amended, in Exhibit 3.1 hereof	
		
  4.2	  	See Amended and Restated Bylaws in Exhibit 3.2 hereof	
		
10.1^	  	Form of the Registrant’s 1994 Stock Option Plan(3)	
		
10.2^	  	Form of Indemnification Agreement(4)	
		
10.3^	  	Employee Stock Purchase Plan(5)	
		
10.4^	  	Form of the Registrant’s 1999 Stock Incentive Plan, as amended(6)	
		
10.5^	  	Employment Agreement between the Registrant and LeAnn Nealz dated March 31, 2004(7)	
		
10.6^	  	Deferred Compensation Plan, as amended(8)	
		
10.7^	  	Employment Agreement between the Registrant and Thomas DiDonato, dated June 29, 2005(9)	
		
10.8^	  	Form of Director Deferred Compensation Agreement(10)	
		
10.9^	  	Form of 409A Addendum(11)	
		
10.10^	  	Form of Long Term Incentive Compensation Plan Confidentiality, non-solicitation, non-competition and Intellectual Property Agreement(12)	
		
10.11^	  	Employment Agreement between the Registrant and Dennis Parodi, dated February 18, 2003(13)	
		
10.12^	  	Amendment to the Employment Agreement between the Registrant and Dennis Parodi, dated February 6, 2006(14)	
		
10.13^	  	Employment Agreement between the Registrant and Joan Hilson, dated July 18, 2005(15)	
		
10.14^	  	2005 Stock Award and Incentive Plan, as amended(16)	
		
10.15^	  	Employment Agreement between the Registrant and James V. O’Donnell, as amended, dated
January 11, 2010(17)	
		
10.16^	  	Form of Change in Control Agreement dated April 21, 2010(18)	
		
10.17^	  	Retirement Agreement between the Registrant and Joseph Kerin, dated November 24, 2010(19)	
		
10.18^	  	Form of RSU Confidentiality, Non-Solicitation, Non-Competition and Intellectual Property Agreement(20)	
		
10.19^	  	Chief Executive Officer Employment Agreement between the Registrant and Robert L. Hanson, dated November 14, 2011(21)	
		
10.20^	  	Change in Control Agreement between the Registrant and Robert L. Hanson, dated November 14, 2011(22)	
		
10.21^	  	Succession Agreement between the Registrant and James V. O’Donnell, dated January 28, 2012(23)	
		
10.22^	  	Second Amended and Restated Employment Agreement between the Registrant and Roger S. Markfield, dated February 24, 2012(24)	
 
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Exhibit
Number	 	Description	
		
10.23	 	Credit Agreement, dated March 2, 2012 among American Eagle Outfitters, Inc. and certain of its subsidiaries as borrowers, each lender from time to time party thereto, and HSBC Bank USA, N.A. as administrative agent for the lenders, and certain other parties and agents(25)	
		
10.24^*	 	Form of Notice of Grant of Stock Options and Option Agreement	
		
10.25^*	 	Form of Notice of Grant of Restricted Stock Units and Restricted Stock Units Awards Agreement	
		
10.26^*	 	Form of Notice of Long Term Incentive Grant of Restricted Stock Units and Long Term Incentive Restricted Stock Units Award Agreement	
		
21*	 	Subsidiaries	
		
23*	 	Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm	
		
24*	 	Power of Attorney	
		
31.1*	 	Certification by Robert L. Hanson pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) or Rule 15d-14(a)	
		
31.2*	 	Certification by Joan Holstein Hilson pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) or Rule 15d-14(a)	
		
32.1**	 	Certification of Principal Executive Officer Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002	
		
32.2**	 	Certification of Principal Financial Officer Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002	
		
101**	 	Interactive Data File	

(1)	Previously filed as Exhibit 3.1 to the Form 10-Q dated August 4, 2007, filed September 6, 2007 and incorporated herein by reference.	
 
(2)	Previously filed as Exhibit 3.1 to the Form 8-K dated November 20, 2007, filed November 26, 2007 and incorporated herein by reference.	
 
(3)	Previously filed as Exhibit 4(a) to Registration Statement on Form S-8 (file no. 33-79358), filed May 25, 1994, as amended on Form S-8 (file no. 333-12643), filed September 25, 1996 and Form S-8 (file no. 333-44759), filed January 22, 1998 and incorporated herein by reference.	
 
(4)	Previously filed as Exhibit 10.7 to Registration Statement on Form S-1 (file no. 33-75294), filed February 14, 1994, as amended, and incorporated herein by reference.	
 
(5)	Previously filed as Exhibit 4(a) to Registration Statement on Form S-8 (file no. 33-33278), filed April 5, 1996 and incorporated herein by reference.	
 
(6)	Previously filed as Exhibit 10.5 to the Form 10-K dated February 3, 2007, filed April 4, 2007 and incorporated herein by reference.	
 
(7)	Previously filed as Exhibit 10.12 to the Form 10-Q for the period ended July 31, 2004, filed September 3, 2004 and incorporated herein by reference.	
 
(8)	Previously filed as Exhibit 10.2 to the Form 8-K dated December 17, 2008, filed December 23, 2008 and incorporated herein by reference.	
 
(9)	Previously filed as Exhibit 10.1 to the Form 10-Q for the period ended October 29, 2005, filed December 5, 2005 and incorporated herein by reference.	
 
(10)	Previously filed as Exhibit 10.1 to the Form 8-K dated December 30, 2005, filed January 5, 2006 and incorporated herein by reference.	
 
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(11)	Previously filed as Exhibit 10.3 to the Form 8-K dated December 17, 2008, filed December 23, 2008 and incorporated herein by reference.	
 
(12)	Previously filed as Exhibit 10.1 to the Form 8-K dated May 20, 2008, filed May 23, 2008 and incorporated herein by reference.	
 
(13)	Previously filed as Exhibit 10.1 to the Form 8-K dated February 28, 2006, filed March 7, 2006 and incorporated herein by reference.	
 
(14)	Previously filed as Exhibit 10.2 to the Form 8-K dated February 28, 2006, filed March 7, 2006 and incorporated herein by reference.	
 
(15)	Previously filed as Exhibit 10.1 to the Form 8-K dated April 18, 2006, filed April 24, 2006 and incorporated herein by reference.	
 
(16)	Previously filed as Appendix A to the Definitive Proxy Statement for the 2009 Annual Meeting of Stockholders held on June 16, 2009 held on June 16, 2009, filed May 4, 2009 and incorporated herein by reference.	
 
(17)	Previously filed as Exhibit 10.1 to the Form 8-K dated January 11, 2010, filed January 12, 2010 and incorporated herein by reference.	
 
(18)	Previously filed as Exhibit 10.1 to the Form 8-K dated April 21, 2010, filed April 26, 2010 and incorporated herein by reference.	
 
(19)	Previously filed as Exhibit 10.24 to the Form 10-K dated January 29, 2011, filed March 11, 2011 and incorporated herein by reference.	
 
(20)	Previously filed as Exhibit 10.25 to the Form 10-K dated January 29, 2011, filed on March 11, 2011 and incorporated herein by reference.	
 
(21)	Previously filed as Exhibit 10.1 to the Form 8-K dated November 14, 2011, filed November 18, 2011 and incorporated herein by reference.	
 
(22)	Previously filed as Exhibit 10.2 to the Form 8-K dated November 14, 2011, filed November 18, 2011 and incorporated herein by reference.	
 
(23)	Previously filed as Exhibit 10.1 to the Form 8-K dated January 18, 2012, filed January 20, 2012 and incorporated herein by reference.	
 
(24)	Previously filed as Exhibit 10.1 to the Form 8-K dated February 24, 2012, filed February 24, 2012 and incorporated herein by reference.	
 
(25)	Previously filed as Exhibit 10.1 to the Form 8-K dated March 2, 2012, filed March 8, 2012 and incorporated herein by reference.	

 ^	Management contract or compensatory plan or arrangement.	
 
 *	Filed herewith.	
 
**	Furnished herewith.	
(b) Exhibits
The exhibits to this report have been filed herewith.
(c) Financial Statement Schedules
None.
 
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SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.

AMERICAN EAGLE OUTFITTERS, INC.	
		
By:	 	/s/    Robert L. Hanson	
	 	Robert L. Hanson	
	 	Chief Executive Officer	
Dated March 15, 2012
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed by the following persons in the capacities indicated on March 15, 2012.

   	 	Signature	  	Title	
		
/s/    Robert L. Hanson
Robert L. Hanson	  	Chief Executive Officer and Director
(Principal Executive Officer)	
		
/s/    Joan Holstein Hilson
Joan Holstein Hilson	  	Executive Vice President and
Chief Financial Officer
(Principal Financial Officer and Principal
Accounting Officer)	
		
*
Jay L. Schottenstein	  	Chairman of the Board and Director	
		
*
Michael G. Jesselson	  	Director	
		
*
Thomas R. Ketteler	  	Director	
		
*
Roger S. Markfield	  	Director	
		
*
Cary D. McMillan	  	Director	
		
*
Janice E. Page	  	Director	
		
*
Noel J. Spiegel	  	Director	
		
*
Gerald E. Wedren	  	Director	
			
*By: 	 	/s/    Joan Holstein Hilson	  		
	 	Joan Holstein Hilson,	  		
	 	Attorney-in-Fact	  		
 
74

Exhibit 10.24

Notice of Grant of Stock
Options and Option Agreement	  	American Eagle Outfitters, Inc.
77 Hot Metal Street
Pittsburgh, PA 15203
(412) 432-3300	

Participant Id	 	Plan:	 	2005A        	
Participant Name	 	Product ID:	 	 	
Effective <insert grant date>, you have been granted a non-qualified stock option to buy <insert shares granted> shares of American Eagle Outfitters, Inc. stock at <insert grant price>. This option is subject to all of the terms and conditions contained in this Notice and Agreement, the attached Terms and Conditions of Non-Qualified Stock Option, and the terms and conditions set forth in the Company’s 2005A Stock Award and Incentive Plan, as amended and restated on <insert expiration date>.
Options for shares will vest evenly as to one third of the shares over three years on the anniversary of the grant date and become fully exercisable on the third anniversary of the grant date and shall remain exercisable for the period ending on the expiration date of Expiration date.

By signing below or by electronic acceptance, you agree that this option is governed by this Notice and Agreement, and by the terms and conditions contained in the Plan, as amended from time to time, and incorporated into this Notice and Agreement by reference.

 
			
American Eagle Outfitters, Inc.	
		
By:	 	 	
	 	Electronic Signature	

TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF NON-QUALIFIED STOCK OPTION
1. Grant of Option . The Company hereby grants to Employee under the Company’s 2005 Stock Award and Incentive Plan, as amended and restated on June 16, 2009 (the “Plan”), as a separate incentive in connection with his or her employment and not in lieu of any salary or other compensation for his or her services, a non-qualified stock option to purchase, on the terms and conditions of the Plan and of this Notice and Agreement, all or any part of the number of shares set forth on page 1 of this Notice and Agreement. The option granted hereby is not intended to be an Incentive Stock Option within the meaning of Section 422 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended.
2. Exercise Price . The purchase price per share shall be payable: (1) in cash or its equivalent; or (2) at the discretion of the Committee with previously acquired shares of the Company’s common stock, or (3) by any other means the Committee shall permit.
3. Termination of Option . Each option granted under the Plan shall terminate upon the first to occur of the following events: (a) the date for expiration set forth on page 1 of this Notice and Agreement; (b) immediately upon the date and time of the employee’s termination of Service (as defined in the Plan) for a reason other than the employee’s death, Disability or Retirement, unless the Committee in its sole discretion decides to extend the exercisability of the option to not more than three (3) months from the termination of Service; (c) the vesting of options shall accelerate on the date of the employee’s termination of Service by reason of death or Disability and shall remain exercisable for one year; or (d) on the date of the Employee’s termination of Service by reason of Retirement (i) for options that are exercisable upon the termination of Employee’s employment, they shall remain exercisable for one year after the termination of employment, and (ii) for options that are not exercisable upon the termination of Employee’s employment, the options shall continue to vest and shall be exercisable for one year after the vesting date when such options first become exercisable.
4. Death of Employee . To the extent exercisable after Employee’s death, the option shall be exercised only by Employee’s designated beneficiary or beneficiaries. If Employee fails to make an effective beneficiary designation, or if no beneficiary survives Employee, then the option shall be exercised by the administrator or executor of the Employee’s estate.
5. Exercise of Option . The option may be exercised by the person then entitled to do so as to any shares which may then be purchased by giving written notice of exercise to the Secretary of the Company, specifying the number of shares to be purchased and accompanied by full payment for the shares (including the amount of any income tax the Company determines is required to be withheld by reason of such exercise), or by such other administrative exercise and payment procedures as may be established by the Company from time to time.
6. Forfeiture of Award . Notwithstanding anything in this Notice and Agreement to the contrary, the Shares represented by this Award may be forfeited in accordance with the provisions of Section 10 of the Plan.
7. No Right to Continued Employment . Employee understands and agrees that this Notice and Agreement does not impact in any way the right of the Company, or any Affiliate of the Company employing Employee, to terminate or change the terms of the employment of Employee at any time for any reason whatsoever, with or without cause. Employee understands and agrees that his or her employment with the Company or an Affiliate is on an “at-will” basis only.
8. Addresses for Notices . Any notice to be given to the Company under the terms of this Notice and Agreement shall be addressed to the Company, Stock Option Administrator, c/o Human Resources, at American Eagle Outfitters, Inc., 77 Hot Metal Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15203, or at such other address as the Company may hereafter designate in writing. Any notice to be given to Employee shall be addressed to Employee at the address set forth on page 1 of this Notice and Agreement, or at such other address for Employee maintained on the books and records of the Company.

9. Non-Transferability of Option . Except as provided below, the option granted and the rights and privileges conferred by this Notice and Agreement shall not be transferred, assigned, pledged or hypothecated in any way (whether by operation of law or otherwise) and shall not be subject to sale under execution, attachment or similar process, other than: (a) by will; (b) by the laws of descent and distribution; or (c) as provided in Section 11(b) of the Plan.
10. Plan Governs . This Notice and Agreement is subject to all terms and provisions of the Plan. In the event of a conflict between one or more provisions of this Notice and Agreement and one or more provisions of the Plan, the provisions of the Plan shall govern. Undefined capitalized terms used in this Notice and Agreement shall have the meanings set forth in the Plan.
11. Captions . Captions provided herein are for convenience only and are not to serve as a basis for interpretation or construction of this Notice and Agreement.
12. Agreement Severable . In the event that any provision in this Notice and Agreement shall be held invalid or unenforceable for any reason, such provision shall be severable from, and such invalidity or unenforceability shall not be construed to have any effect on, the remaining provisions of this Notice and Agreement.

Exhibit 10.25

Notice of Grant of Restricted
Stock Units and Restricted Stock
Units Award Agreement	  	American Eagle Outfitters, Inc.
77 Hot Metal Street
Pittsburgh, PA 15203	

Participant Id	 	Plan:	 	2005A        	
Participant Name	 	Product ID:	 	 	
Effective <insert grant date> (the “Grant Date”), you have been granted an award of <insert units granted> units of restricted stock (the “RSU’s”) under the American Eagle Outfitters, Inc. 2005 Stock Award and Incentive Plan, as amended on June 16, 2009 (the “Plan”). Each RSU represents the right to receive one share of American Eagle Outfitters, Inc. (the “Company”) Common Stock, $0.01 par value per share, at a future point in time. This award is subject to the terms and conditions contained in this Notice and Agreement, as well as the terms and conditions of the Plan.
The RSU’s shall vest over three years in equal annual increments unless a performance goal for the performance period of service consisting of the Company’s fiscal year ending <insert fiscal period> (“Fiscal 20XX”) is achieved. The performance goal shall be based on the Company’s <insert fiscal period> <insert performance metric> (“Fiscal 20XX PF”). The performance goal for Fiscal 20XX for this RSU Award is set at one level of Fiscal 20XX PF: <insert target level performance goal>.
If the Fiscal 20XX PF is equal to or better than the defined level, then 100% of the RSU’s shall vest. The Compensation Committee of the Company’s Board of Directors (the “Committee”), shall determine and certify in writing the achievement of the aforementioned performance goal after the end of the performance period based on the financial statements of the Company for the year ending <insert period ending date>. On the date of certification such restrictions will lapse. If the Fiscal 20XX PF is worse than the defined level, then the RSU’s vest over three years in equal annual increments with the first third vesting on the date of the Compensation Committee certification and with the second two thirds vesting on the second and third anniversary of the grant date, if not previously vested.
As provided in the Plan and this Notice and Agreement, this award may terminate before the restrictions lapse. For example, if your employment with the Company ends before the date the restrictions lapse, this award will terminate and the RSU’s awarded shall revert to the Company. You should refer to paragraph 4 of this Notice and Agreement for further information concerning how changes in employment affect termination of this award.
By signing below, you agree that this award is governed by this Notice and Agreement, and by the terms and conditions contained in the Plan, as amended from time to time, and incorporated into this Notice and Agreement by reference.

American Eagle Outfitters, Inc.	 		 		
				
By:	 	 	 		 	 	
	 		 		 	Date	
	 		 		 		
	 	    Employee	 		 	Date	

TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF RESTRICTED STOCK AWARD
1. Grant of Award . The Company hereby grants to Employee as a separate incentive in connection with his or her employment and not in lieu of any salary or other compensation for his or her services, an award of the number of restricted stock units (“RSU’s”) of common stock of the Company set forth on page 1 of this Notice and Agreement, which RSU’s are granted on the Grant Date, subject to all the terms and conditions in this Notice and Agreement and in the Company’s 2005 Stock Award and Incentive Plan, as amended on June 16, 2009 (the “Plan”). Each RSU represents the right to receive one share of the Company’s Common Stock, $0.01 par value per share, at a future point in time.
2. Rights of the Employee with Respect to the Restricted Stock Units .
a) No Shareholder Rights. The RSU’s granted pursuant to this Award do not and shall not entitle Employee to any rights of a shareholder of Common Stock. The rights of Employee with respect to the RSU’s shall remain forfeitable at all times prior to the date on which such rights become vested and the restrictions with respect to the RSU’s lapse, in accordance with Section 3.
b) Additional Restricted Stock Units. As long as Employee holds RSU’s granted pursuant to this Award, the Company shall credit to Employee, on each date that the Company pays a cash dividend to holders of Common Stock generally, an additional number of RSU’s (“Additional RSU’s” ) equal to the total number of whole RSU’s and Additional RSU’s previously credited to Employee under this Award multiplied by the dollar amount of the cash dividend paid per share of Common Stock by the Company on such pay date, divided by the Fair Market Value of a share of Common Stock on such pay date. Any fractional RSU resulting from such calculation shall be included in the Additional RSU’s. A report showing the number of Additional RSU’s so credited shall be sent to Employee periodically, as determined by the Company. The Additional RSU’s so credited shall be subject to the same terms and conditions as the RSU’s to which such Additional RSU’s relate and the Additional RSU’s shall be forfeited in the event that the RSU’s with respect to which such Additional RSU’s were credited are forfeited.
c) Conversion of Restricted Stock Units; Issuance of Common Stock. No shares of Common Stock shall be issued to Employee prior to the date on which the RSU’s vest and the restrictions with respect to the RSU’s lapse, as set forth on page 1 of this Notice and Agreement. Neither this Section 2(c) nor any action taken pursuant to or in accordance with this Section 2(c) shall be construed to create a trust of any kind. After any RSU’s vest as set forth on page 1 of this Notice and Agreement, the Company shall promptly cause to be issued one share of Common Stock for each RSU in book-entry form, registered in Employee’s name or in the name of Employee’s legal representatives, beneficiaries or heirs, as the case may be, in payment of such vested whole RSU’s and any Additional RSU’s. The value of any fractional RSU shall be rounded up to the nearest whole share at the time certificates are delivered to Employee in payment of the RSU’s and any Additional RSU’s.
3. Removal of Restrictions . Shares of Stock issued pursuant to RSU’s awarded under the Plan shall be issued as soon as practicable after vesting, as set forth on page 1 of this Notice and Agreement. The Committee, in its discretion, may accelerate the time at which any restrictions shall lapse, and remove any restrictions; provided, however, that the Period of Restriction on RSU’s granted to a Section 16 Person may not lapse until at least six (6) months after the Grant Date and further subject to the restrictions in the Plan with respect to Covered Employees. The restrictions with respect to the RSU’s shall lapse and the RSU’s shall vest in the Employee without restriction to the extent specified in the Plan upon any “Change of Control” as defined in the Plan.
After the restrictions have lapsed, the Shares shall be freely transferable by the Employee, subject to the terms of this Notice and Agreement and the Plan.
4. Termination of Service . The RSU’s as to which restrictions have not lapsed upon the date and time of the employee’s Termination of Service, for a reason other than the employee’s death, Disability or Retirement shall terminate and thereupon revert to the Company automatically and without charge to the Company. Such RSU’s shall thereafter be available for grant under the Plan. In the event of a Termination of Service as a result of the Employee’s death, Disability or Retirement, all contractual restrictions shall lapse and the Shares shall be vested in full subject to proration based on the number of days of Employee’s full time employment during the either one year vesting period (if performance goals are achieved) or the three year vesting period.
5. Continuous Employment Required . Subject to the provisions of paragraph 4 above, Restrictions on RSU’s shall not lapse and the RSU’s vest in accordance with any of the provisions of this Notice and Agreement unless Employee shall have been continuously employed by the Company or by one of its Affiliates from the date of the award until the date such restrictions are deemed to have lapsed.
6. Forfeiture of Award . Notwithstanding anything in this Notice and Agreement to the contrary, the RSU’s represented by this Award may be forfeited in accordance with the provisions of Section 10 of the Plan.

7. Withholding Taxes . Notwithstanding anything in this Notice and Agreement to the contrary, no certificate representing Stock may be issued unless and until Employee shall have delivered to the Company or its designated Affiliate, the full amount of any federal, state or local income and other withholding taxes. Payment of withholding taxes must be made by returning shares back to the Company.
8. Beneficiary Designation . If permitted by the Committee, Employee may name a beneficiary or beneficiaries to whom any vested but unpaid award shall be paid in the event of Employee’s death. In order to be effective, a beneficiary designation must be made by the Employee in a form and manner acceptable to the Company. If Employee fails to make an effective beneficiary designation, or if no such beneficiary survives Employee, then the vested but unpaid benefits remaining at the Employee’s death shall be paid to the Employee’s estate.
9. Non-transferability of Award . Until the end of the Period of Restriction set forth on page 1 of this Notice and Agreement, the RSU’s granted herein and the rights and privileges conferred hereby may not be sold, transferred, pledged, assigned, or otherwise alienated or hypothecated (by operation of law or otherwise) other than: (a) by will; (b) by the laws of descent and distribution; or (c) as provided in Section 11(b) of the Plan.
10. Conditions to Issuance of Shares. The shares of stock deliverable to Employee may be either previously authorized but unissued shares or issued shares which have been reacquired by the Company. The Company shall not be required to issue any certificate or certificates for shares of stock hereunder prior to fulfillment of all of the following conditions: (a) The admission of such shares to listing on all stock exchanges on which such class of stock is then listed; (b) The completion of any registration or other qualification of such shares under any State or Federal law or under the rulings or regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission or any other governmental regulatory body, which the Committee shall, in its absolute discretion, deem necessary or advisable; (c) The obtaining of any approval or other clearance from any State or Federal governmental agency, which the Committee shall, in its absolute discretion, determine to be necessary or advisable; and (d) The lapse of such reasonable period of time following the date of grant of the RSU’s as the Committee may establish from time to time for reasons of administrative convenience.
11. Plan Governs . This Notice and Agreement is subject to all the terms and provisions of the Plan. In the event of a conflict between one or more provisions of this Notice and Agreement and one or more provisions of the Plan, the provisions of the Plan shall govern. Undefined capitalized terms used in this Notice and Agreement shall have the meanings set forth in the Plan.
12. No Right to Continued Employment . Employee understands and agrees that this Notice and Agreement does not impact in any way the right of the Company, or any Affiliate of the Company employing Employee, to terminate the employment or change the terms of the employment of Employee at any time for any reason whatsoever, with or without cause. Employee understands and agrees that his or her employment with the Company or an Affiliate is on an “at-will” basis only.
13. Addresses for Notices . Any notice to be given to the Company under the terms of this Notice and Agreement shall be addressed to the Company, in care of General Counsel, at American Eagle Outfitters, Inc., 77 Hot Metal Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15203, or at such other address as the Company may hereafter designate in writing. Any notice to be given to Employee shall be addressed to Employee at the address set forth on page 1 of this Notice and Agreement, or at such other address for Employee maintained on the books and records of the Company.
14. Captions . Captions provided herein are for convenience only and are not to serve as a basis for interpretation or construction of this Notice and Agreement.
15. Agreement Severable . In the event that any provision in this Notice and Agreement shall be held invalid or unenforceable, such provision shall be severable from, and such invalidity or unenforceability shall not be construed to have any effect on, the remaining provisions of this Notice and Agreement.

Exhibit 10.26

Notice of Long Term Incentive
Grant of Restricted
Stock Units and Long Term Incentive
Restricted Stock Units Award Agreement	  	American Eagle Outfitters, Inc.
77 Hot Metal Street
Pittsburgh, PA 15203	

Participant Id	 	Plan:	 	2005A        	
Participant Name	 	Product ID:	 	 	
Effective <insert grant date> (the “Grant Date”), you have been granted an award of <insert units granted> units of restricted stock (the “RSU’s”) under the American Eagle Outfitters, Inc. 2005 Stock Award and Incentive Plan, as amended and restated June 16, 2009 (the “Plan”). Each RSU represents the right to receive one share of American Eagle Outfitters, Inc. (the “Company”) Common Stock, $0.01 par value per share, at a future point in time. This award is subject to the terms and conditions contained in this Notice and Agreement, as well as the terms and conditions of the Plan.
The RSU’s shall remain restricted subject to the risk of being forfeited unless a percentage determined based on the performance goals for the performance period of service is earned (the “RSU Target Percentage”). For purposes of determining the vesting of the RSU’s each of the “Single-Year Performance Periods” is the Company’s fiscal years ending <insert fiscal year end> (“Fiscal 20XX”), <insert fiscal year end> (“Fiscal 20XX”) and <insert fiscal year end> (“Fiscal 20XX”) and the “Cumulative Performance Period” is the Company’s three consecutive fiscal year periods ending <insert fiscal year end> (“Fiscal 20XX Cumulative”) Performance goals for the respective performance periods shall be based on the Company’s <insert performance metric>. The performance goal for Fiscal 20XX is set at one level of Fiscal 20XX <insert performance metric>: the “Fiscal 20XX Target” level at <insert performance metric>. The performance goal for Fiscal 20XX is set at one level of Fiscal 20XX <insert performance metric>: the “Fiscal 20XX Target” level at <insert performance goal>. The performance goal for Fiscal 20XX is set at one level of Fiscal 20XX <insert performance metric>: the “Fiscal 20XX Target” level at <insert performance goal>. The cumulative performance goal for Fiscal 20XX is set at three levels of Fiscal 20XX Cumulative <insert performance metric>: the “Fiscal 20XX Cumulative Threshold” level at <insert performance goal>; the “Fiscal 20XX Cumulative Target” level at <insert performance goal>; and the “Fiscal 20XX Cumulative Outstanding” level at <insert performance goal>.
The RSU Target Percentage shall be determined based on the Fiscal 20XX <insert performance metric>, Fiscal 20XX <insert performance metric>, Fiscal 20XX <insert performance metric> and Fiscal 20XX Cumulative <insert performance metric> as follows:
 
 	•	 	If Fiscal 20XX Cumulative <insert performance metric> equals the Fiscal 20XX Cumulative Threshold level, then the RSU Target Percentage shall be 50%; if the Fiscal 20XX Cumulative <insert performance metric> is between the Fiscal 20XX Cumulative Threshold level and the Fiscal 20XX Cumulative Target level, then the RSU Target Percentage shall be interpolated between 50% and 100%; if the Fiscal 20XX Cumulative <insert performance metric> equals the Fiscal 20XX Cumulative Target level, then the RSU Target Percentage shall be 100%; if the Fiscal 20XX Cumulative <insert performance metric> is between the Fiscal 20XX Cumulative Target level and the Fiscal 20XX Cumulative Outstanding level, then the RSU Target Percentage shall be interpolated between 100% and 150%; if the Fiscal 20XX Cumulative <insert performance metric> is equal to or greater than the Fiscal 20XX Cumulative Outstanding level, then the RSU Target Percentage shall be 150%.	
 	•	 	If Fiscal 20XX Cumulative <insert performance metric> is less than the Fiscal 20XX Cumulative Threshold level but Fiscal 20XX <insert performance metric> equals the Fiscal 20XX Target level, then 20% of the RSU’s shall vest on the date of the Compensation Committee certification in <insert fiscal year end>; and/or	
 	•	 	If Fiscal 20XX Cumulative <insert performance metric> is less than the Fiscal 20XX Cumulative Threshold level but Fiscal 20XX <insert performance metric> equals the Fiscal 20XX Target level, then an additional 20% of the RSU’s shall vest on the date of the Compensation Committee certification in <insert fiscal year end>; and/or	
 	•	 	If the Fiscal 20XX Cumulative <insert performance metric> is less than the Fiscal 20XX Cumulative Threshold level but Fiscal 20XX <insert performance metric> equals the Fiscal 20XX Target level, then an additional 20% of the RSU’s shall vest on the date of the Compensation Committee certification in <insert fiscal year end>.	

The number of Units determined by applying a percentage shall be rounded up to the nearest whole share.
The Compensation Committee of the Company’s Board of Directors (the “Committee”), shall determine and certify in writing the achievement of the above performance goals after the end of the Cumulative Performance Period based on the financial statements of the Company for <insert period ending date>. On the date of certification such restrictions will lapse as to the RSU Target Percentage of Shares (the “Period of Restriction”) and the balance, if any, shall be forfeited.
As provided in the Plan and this Notice and Agreement, this award may terminate before the restrictions lapse. For example, if your employment with the Company ends before the date the restrictions lapse, this award will terminate and the RSU’s awarded shall revert to the Company, except in certain cases where you have signed a separate non-compete/non-solicitation agreement. You should refer to paragraph 4 of this Notice and Agreement for further information concerning how changes in employment affect termination of this award.
By signing below, you agree that this award is governed by this Notice and Agreement, and by the terms and conditions contained in the Plan, as amended from time to time, and incorporated into this Notice and Agreement by reference.

American Eagle Outfitters, Inc.	 		 		
				
By:	 	 	 		 	 	
	 		 		 	Date	
	 		 		 		
	 	    Employee	 		 	Date	

TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF RESTRICTED STOCK AWARD
1. Grant of Award . The Company hereby grants to Employee as a separate incentive in connection with his or her employment and not in lieu of any salary or other compensation for his or her services, an award of the number of restricted stock units (“RSU’s”) of common stock of the Company set forth on page 1 of this Notice and Agreement, which RSU’s are granted on the Grant Date, subject to all the terms and conditions in this Notice and Agreement and in the Company’s 2005 Stock Award and Incentive Plan, as amended and restated June 16, 2009 (the “Plan”). Each RSU represents the right to receive one share of the Company’s Common Stock, $0.01 par value per share, at a future point in time.
2. Rights of the Employee with Respect to the Restricted Stock Units .
a) No Shareholder Rights. The RSU’s granted pursuant to this Award do not and shall not entitle Employee to any rights of a shareholder of Common Stock. The rights of Employee with respect to the RSU’s shall remain forfeitable at all times prior to the date on which such rights become vested, and the restrictions with respect to the RSU’s lapse, in accordance with Section 3.
b) Additional Restricted Stock Units. As long as Employee holds RSU’s granted pursuant to this Award, the Company shall credit to Employee, on each date that the Company pays a cash dividend to holders of Common Stock generally, an additional number of RSU’s (“Additional RSU’s” ) equal to the total number of whole RSU’s and Additional RSU’s previously credited to Employee under this Award multiplied by the dollar amount of the cash dividend paid per share of Common Stock by the Company on such pay date, divided by the Fair Market Value of a share of Common Stock on such pay date. Any fractional RSU resulting from such calculation shall be included in the Additional RSU’s. A report showing the number of Additional RSU’s so credited shall be sent to Employee periodically, as determined by the Company. The Additional RSU’s so credited shall be subject to the same terms and conditions as the RSU’s to which such Additional RSU’s relate and the Additional RSU’s shall be forfeited in the event that the RSU’s with respect to which such Additional RSU’s were credited are forfeited.
c) Conversion of Restricted Stock Units; Issuance of Common Stock. No shares of Common Stock shall be issued to Employee prior to the date on which the RSU’s vest, and the restrictions with respect to the RSU’s lapse, as set forth on page 1 of this Notice and Agreement. Neither this Section 2(c) nor any action taken pursuant to or in accordance with this Section 2(c) shall be construed to create a trust of any kind. After any RSU’s vest as set forth on page 1 of this Notice and Agreement, the Company shall promptly cause to be issued one share of common stock for each RSU in book-entry form, registered in Employee’s name or in the name of Employee’s legal representatives, beneficiaries or heirs, as the case may be, in payment of such vested whole RSU’s and any Additional RSU’s,. The value of any fractional RSU shall be rounded up to the nearest whole share at the time certificates are delivered to Employee in payment of the RSU’s and any Additional RSU’s.
3. Removal of Restrictions . Shares of Stock issued pursuant to RSU’s awarded under the Plan shall be issued as soon as practicable after the last day of the Period of Restriction, as set forth on page 1 of this Notice and Agreement. The Committee, in its discretion, may accelerate the time at which any restrictions shall lapse, and remove any restrictions; provided, however, that the Period of Restriction on RSU’s granted to a Section 16 Person may not lapse until at least six (6) months after the Grant Date and further subject to the restrictions in the Plan with respect to Covered Employees. The restrictions with respect to the RSU’s shall lapse and the RSU’s shall vest in the Employee without restriction to the extent specified in the Plan following any Change of Control as defined in the Plan.
After the restrictions have lapsed, the Shares shall be freely transferable by the Employee, subject to the terms of this Notice and Agreement and the Plan.
4. Termination of Service . The RSU’s as to which restrictions have not lapsed upon the date and time of the employee’s Termination of Service, for a reason other than the employee’s death, Disability or Retirement, shall terminate and thereupon revert to the Company automatically and without charge to the Company, except (a) in certain cases following a Change of Control, (b) in case of an involuntary termination by the Company without cause, or (c) where the Employee has signed a separate non-compete/non-solicitation agreement, and, in each case, subject to the discretion of the Committee. Such RSU’s shall thereafter be available for grant under the Plan. In the event of a Termination of Service as a result of the Employee’s death, disability or Retirement, all contractual restrictions shall lapse and the RSU’s shall be vested in full if and to the extent the performance goals for this Award are achieved. In the event of a Termination of Service as a result of an involuntary termination by the Company without cause or where the Employee has signed a separate non-compete/non-solicitation agreement, then the RSU’s shall continue to be eligible to be vested if and to the extent the performance goals for this Award are achieved and subject to proration based on the number of days of Employee’s full time employment during the three fiscal year period covered by the Award.
5. Continuous Employment Required . Subject to the provisions of paragraph 4 above, restrictions on RSU’s shall not lapse and the RSU’s vest in accordance with any of the provisions of this Notice and Agreement unless Employee shall have been

continuously employed by the Company or by one of its Affiliates from the date of the award until the date such restrictions are deemed to have lapsed.
6. Forfeiture of Award . Notwithstanding anything in this Notice and Agreement to the contrary, the RSU’s represented by this Award may be forfeited in accordance with the provisions of Section 10 of the Plan.
7. Withholding Taxes . Notwithstanding anything in this Notice and Agreement to the contrary, no certificate representing Stock may be issued unless and until Employee shall have delivered to the Company or its designated Affiliate, the full amount of any federal, state or local income and other withholding taxes. Payment of withholding taxes must be made by returning shares back to the Company.
8. Beneficiary Designation . If permitted by the Committee, Employee may name a beneficiary or beneficiaries to whom any vested but unpaid award shall be paid in the event of Employee’s death. In order to be effective, a beneficiary designation must be made by the Employee in a form and manner acceptable to the Company. If Employee fails to make an effective beneficiary designation, or if no such beneficiary survives Employee, then the vested but unpaid benefits remaining at the Employee’s death shall be paid to the Employee’s estate.
9. Non-transferability of Award . Until the end of the Period of Restriction set forth on page 1 of this Notice and Agreement, the RSU’s granted herein and the rights and privileges conferred hereby may not be sold, transferred, pledged, assigned, or otherwise alienated or hypothecated (by operation of law or otherwise) other than: (a) by will; (b) by the laws of descent and distribution; or (c) as provided in Section 11(b) of the Plan.
10. Conditions to Issuance of Shares. The shares of stock deliverable to Employee may be either previously authorized but unissued shares or issued shares which have been reacquired by the Company. The Company shall not be required to issue any certificate or certificates for shares of stock hereunder prior to fulfillment of all of the following conditions: (a) The admission of such shares to listing on all stock exchanges on which such class of stock is then listed; (b) The completion of any registration or other qualification of such shares under any State or Federal law or under the rulings or regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission or any other governmental regulatory body, which the Committee shall, in its absolute discretion, deem necessary or advisable; (c) The obtaining of any approval or other clearance from any State or Federal governmental agency, which the Committee shall, in its absolute discretion, determine to be necessary or advisable; and (d) The lapse of such reasonable period of time following the date of grant of the RSU’s as the Committee may establish from time to time for reasons of administrative convenience.
12. Plan Governs . This Notice and Agreement is subject to all the terms and provisions of the Plan. In the event of a conflict between one or more provisions of this Notice and Agreement and one or more provisions of the Plan, the provisions of the Plan shall govern. Undefined capitalized terms used in this Notice and Agreement shall have the meanings set forth in the Plan.
13. No Right to Continued Employment . Employee understands and agrees that this Notice and Agreement does not impact in any way the right of the Company, or any Affiliate of the Company employing Employee, to terminate the employment or change the terms of the employment of Employee at any time for any reason whatsoever, with or without cause. Employee understands and agrees that his or her employment with the Company or an Affiliate is on an “at-will” basis only.
14. Addresses for Notices . Any notice to be given to the Company under the terms of this Notice and Agreement shall be addressed to the Company, in care of General Counsel, at American Eagle Outfitters, Inc., 77 Hot Metal Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15203, or at such other address as the Company may hereafter designate in writing. Any notice to be given to Employee shall be addressed to Employee at the address set forth on page 1 of this Notice and Agreement, or at such other address for Employee maintained on the books and records of the Company.
15. Captions . Captions provided herein are for convenience only and are not to serve as a basis for interpretation or construction of this Notice and Agreement.
16. Agreement Severable . In the event that any provision in this Notice and Agreement shall be held invalid or unenforceable, such provision shall be severable from, and such invalidity or unenforceability shall not be construed to have any effect on, the remaining provisions of this Notice and Agreement.

Exhibit 21
Subsidiaries
American Eagle Outfitters, Inc., a Delaware Corporation, has the following wholly owned subsidiaries:
AE Admin Services Co LLC, a Ohio Limited Liability Company
AE Corporate Services Co., a Delaware Corporation
AE Direct Co. LLC, a Delaware Limited Liability Company
AE Distribution Co., a Delaware Corporation
AE Holdings Co., a Delaware Corporation
AE North Holdings Co., a Canadian Corporation
AE Outfitters Retail Co., a Delaware Corporation
AE Retail West LLC, a Delaware Limited Liability Company
AEH Holding Company, a Delaware Corporation
AEO International Corp., a Delaware Corporation
AEO Israeli Services Co., a Delaware Corporation
AEO Management Co., a Delaware Corporation
AEO Realty Co LLC, a Delaware Limited Liability Company
American Eagle Cdn Hold Co., a Delaware Corporation
American Eagle Outfitters Asia Limited, a Hong Kong Corporation
American Eagle Outfitters Canada Corporation, a Canadian Corporation
Blue Heart Enterprises LLC, a Delaware Limited Liability Company
Blue Star Imports Ltd., a Delaware Corporation
Blue Star Imports, L.P., a Pennsylvania Limited Partnership
BSI Imports Company, LLC, a Delaware Limited Liability Company
Linmar Realty Company II LLC, a Delaware Limited Liability Company
M+O Admin Services Co LLC, an Ohio Limited Liability Company
M+O Management Co LLC, a Delaware Limited Liability Company
M+O Retail LLC, a Delaware Limited Liability Company
Retail Distribution West LLC, a Delaware Limited Liability Company
Retail Licensing Company, a Nevada Corporation
Retail Royalty Company, a Nevada Corporation
South Side Realty Co, a Delaware Corporation

Exhibit 23
Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
We consent to the incorporation by reference in the Registration Statement and in the related prospectus (Form S-3, Registration No. 333-68875) of American Eagle Outfitters, Inc. and in the Registration Statements (Forms S-8) of American Eagle Outfitters, Inc. as follows:
 
 	•	 	1999 Stock Incentive Plan (Registration Nos. 333-34748 and 333-75188),	
 
 	•	 	Employee Stock Purchase Plan (Registration No. 333-3278),	
 
 	•	 	1994 Restricted Stock Plan (Registration No. 33-79358),	
 
 	•	 	1994 Stock Option Plan (Registration Nos. 333-44759, 33-79358, and 333-12661),	
 
 	•	 	Stock Fund of American Eagle Outfitters, Inc. Profit Sharing and 401(k) Plan (Registration No. 33-84796), and	
 
 	•	 	2005 Stock Award and Incentive Plan (Registration No. 333-126278 and 333-161661)	
of our reports dated March 15, 2012, with respect to the consolidated financial statements of American Eagle Outfitters, Inc. and the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting of American Eagle Outfitters, Inc., included in this Annual Report (Form 10-K) for the year ended January 28, 2012.
/s/    Ernst & Young LLP
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
March 15, 2012

Exhibit 24
Power of Attorney
Each director and/or officer of American Eagle Outfitters, Inc. (the “Corporation”) whose signature appears below hereby appoints Neil Bulman, Jr. or Joan Holstein Hilson as his or her attorneys or either of them individually as his or her attorney, to sign, in his or her name and behalf and in any and all capacities stated below, and to cause to be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “Commission”), the Corporation’s Annual Report on Form 10-K (the “Form 10-K”) for the year ended January 28, 2012, and likewise to sign and file with the Commission any and all amendments to the Form 10-K, and the Corporation hereby appoints such persons as its attorneys-in-fact and each of them as its attorney-in-fact with like authority to sign and file the Form 10-K and any amendments thereto granting to each such attorney-in-fact full power of substitution and revocation, and hereby ratifying all that any such attorney-in-fact or his substitute may do by virtue hereof.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, we have hereunto set our hands as of March 13, 2012.

Signature	  	Title	
		
/s/    Robert L. Hanson
Robert L. Hanson	  	Chief Executive Officer and Director
(Principal Executive Officer)	
		
/s/    Joan Holstein Hilson
Joan Holstein Hilson	  	Executive Vice President and
Chief Financial Officer
(Principal Financial Officer and
Principal Accounting Officer)	
		
/s/    Jay L. Schottenstein
Jay L. Schottenstein	  	Chairman of the Board and Director	
		
/s/    Michael G. Jesselson
Michael G. Jesselson	  	Director	
		
/s/    Thomas R. Ketteler
Thomas R. Ketteler	  	Director	
		
/s/    Roger S. Markfield
Roger S. Markfield	  	Director	
		
/s/    Cary D. McMillan
Cary D. McMillan	  	Director	
		
/s/    Janice E. Page
Janice E. Page	  	Director	
		
/s/    Noel J. Spiegel
Noel J. Spiegel	  	Director	
		
/s/    Gerald E. Wedren
Gerald E. Wedren	  	Director	

Exhibit 31.1
CERTIFICATIONS
I, Robert L. Hanson, certify that:
1. I have reviewed this Annual Report on Form 10-K of American Eagle Outfitters, Inc.;
2. Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;
3. Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;
4. The registrant’s other certifying officer(s) and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have:
a) Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;
b) Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;
c) Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and
d) Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant’s most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant’s fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting; and
5. The registrant’s other certifying officer(s) and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of the registrant’s board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):
a) All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and
b) Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.

/s/    Robert L. Hanson	
Robert L. Hanson
Chief Executive Officer
(Principal Executive Officer)	
March 15, 2012

Exhibit 31.2
CERTIFICATIONS
I, Joan Holstein Hilson, certify that:
1. I have reviewed this Annual Report on Form 10-K of American Eagle Outfitters, Inc.;
2. Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;
3. Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;
4. The registrant’s other certifying officer(s) and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have:
a) Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;
b) Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;
c) Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and
d) Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant’s most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant’s fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting; and
5. The registrant’s other certifying officer(s) and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of the registrant’s board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):
a) All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and
b) Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.

/s/    Joan Holstein Hilson	
Joan Holstein Hilson
Executive Vice President and
Chief Financial Officer
(Principal Financial Officer
and Principal Accounting Officer)	
March 15, 2012

Exhibit 32.1
Certification Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350,
as Adopted Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
In connection with the Annual Report of American Eagle Outfitters, Inc. (the “Company”) on Form 10-K for the period ended January 28, 2012 as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on the date hereof (the “Report”), I, Robert L. Hanson, Principal Executive Officer of the Company, certify to the best of my knowledge, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, that:
1. The Report fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; and
2. The information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Company.

/s/    Robert L. Hanson	
Robert L. Hanson
Chief Executive Officer
(Principal Executive Officer)	
March 15, 2012

Exhibit 32.2
Certification Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350,
as Adopted Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
In connection with the Annual Report of American Eagle Outfitters, Inc. (the “Company”) on Form 10-K for the period ended January 28, 2012 as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on the date hereof (the “Report”), I, Joan Holstein Hilson, Principal Financial Officer of the Company, certify to the best of my knowledge, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, that:
1. The Report fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; and
2. The information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Company.

/s/    Joan Holstein Hilson	
Joan Holstein Hilson
Executive Vice President and
Chief Financial Officer
(Principal Financial Officer
and Principal Accounting Officer)	
March 15, 2012