10-Q

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549

FORM 10-Q

x QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the quarterly period ended April 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

Former name, former address and former fiscal year, if changed since last report:

N/A

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 such filing requirements for the past 90 days.    YES  x    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  x    NO  ¨

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.

Large accelerated filer	x	Accelerated filer	¨
Non-accelerated filer	¨  (Do not check if a smaller reporting company)	Smaller reporting company	¨

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).    YES  ¨    NO  x

Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the issuer’s classes of common stock, as of the latest practicable date: 195,969,496 Common Shares were outstanding at May 21, 2012.

AMERICAN EAGLE OUTFITTERS, INC.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

		Page Number
PART I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Item 1.	Financial Statements		3
	Consolidated Balance Sheets: April 28, 2012, January 28, 2012 and April 30, 2011		3
	Consolidated Statements of Operations and Retained Earnings: 13 weeks ended April 28, 2012 and April 30, 2011		4
	Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income: 13 weeks ended April 28, 2012 and April 30, 2011		5
	Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows: 13 weeks ended April 28, 2012 and April 30, 2011		6
	Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements		7
	Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm		20
Item 2.	Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations		21
Item 3.	Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk		28
Item 4.	Controls and Procedures		28
PART II - OTHER INFORMATION
Item 1.	Legal Proceedings		N/A
Item 1A.	Risk Factors		29
Item 2.	Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds		29
Item 3.	Defaults Upon Senior Securities		N/A
Item 4.	Mine Safety Disclosures		N/A
Item 5.	Other Information		N/A
Item 6.	Exhibits		30

2

PART I- FINANCIAL INFORMATION

ITEM 1. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

AMERICAN EAGLE OUTFITTERS, INC.

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

(In thousands, except per share amounts)	April 28, 2012			January 28, 2012			April 30, 2011
	(Unaudited)						(Unaudited)
Assets
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$	713,443		$	719,545		$	474,668
Short-term investments		8,587			25,499			130,513
Merchandise inventory		376,688			378,426			331,588
Accounts receivable		37,472			40,310			31,464
Prepaid expenses and other		75,433			74,947			84,687
Deferred income taxes		48,358			48,761			49,023
Total current assets		1,259,981			1,287,488			1,101,943
Property and equipment, at cost, net of accumulated depreciation		572,104			582,162			641,907
Intangible assets, at cost, net of accumulated amortization		39,556			39,832			40,454
Goodwill		11,544			11,469			11,710
Non-current deferred income taxes		16,579			13,467			10,030
Other assets		16,688			16,384			26,294
Total assets	$	1,916,452		$	1,950,802		$	1,832,338
Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable	$	133,861		$	183,783		$	155,183
Accrued compensation and payroll taxes		21,970			42,625			14,915
Accrued rent		76,550			76,921			70,873
Accrued income and other taxes		14,333			20,135			12,242
Unredeemed gift cards and gift certificates		30,783			44,970			29,187
Current portion of deferred lease credits		14,945			15,066			15,981
Other liabilities and accrued expenses		25,779			21,901			24,566
Total current liabilities		318,221			405,401			322,947
Non-current liabilities:
Deferred lease credits		73,350			71,880			79,131
Non-current accrued income taxes		31,806			35,471			40,310
Other non-current liabilities		22,544			21,199			23,486
Total non-current liabilities		127,700			128,550			142,927
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, 249,566 and 249,566 shares issued; 195,841, 193,848 and 194,871 shares outstanding, respectively		2,496			2,496			2,496
Contributed capital		567,700			552,797			543,393
Accumulated other comprehensive income		30,532			28,659			33,573
Retained earnings		1,774,205			1,771,464			1,716,173
Treasury stock, 53,725, 55,718 and 54,695 shares, respectively		(904,402	)		(938,565	)		(929,171	)
Total stockholders’ equity		1,470,531			1,416,851			1,366,464
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity	$	1,916,452		$	1,950,802		$	1,832,338

Refer to Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

3

AMERICAN EAGLE OUTFITTERS, INC.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS AND RETAINED EARNINGS

(Unaudited)

	13 Weeks Ended
(In thousands, except per share amounts)	April 28, 2012			April 30, 2011
Net sales	$	719,093		$	609,562
Cost of sales, including certain buying, occupancy and warehousing expenses		446,430			377,801
Gross profit		272,663			231,761
Selling, general and administrative expenses		182,605			158,491
Depreciation and amortization expense		32,798			34,880
Operating income		57,260			38,390
Other income, net		3,507			4,512
Income before income taxes		60,767			42,902
Provision for income taxes		21,070			14,577
Net income	$	39,697		$	28,325
Net income per basic common share	$	0.20		$	0.15
Net income per diluted common share	$	0.20		$	0.14
Cash dividends per common share	$	0.11		$	0.11
Weighted average common shares outstanding—basic		194,890			194,683
Weighted average common shares outstanding—diluted		197,252			196,633
Retained earnings, beginning	$	1,771,464		$	1,711,929
Net income		39,697			28,325
Cash dividends and dividend equivalents		(21,945	)		(21,752	)
Reissuance of treasury stock		(15,011	)		(2,329	)
Retained earnings, ending	$	1,774,205		$	1,716,173

Refer to Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

4

AMERICAN EAGLE OUTFITTERS, INC.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

(Unaudited)

	13 Weeks Ended
(In thousands)	April 28, 2012		April 30, 2011
Net income	$	39,697	$	28,325
Other comprehensive income:
Foreign currency translation gain		1,873		5,501
Other comprehensive income		1,873		5,501
Comprehensive income	$	41,570	$	33,826

Refer to Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

5

AMERICAN EAGLE OUTFITTERS, INC.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(Unaudited)

	13 Weeks Ended
(In thousands)	April 28, 2012			April 30, 2011
Operating activities:
Net income	$	39,697		$	28,325
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash from operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization		33,323			35,534
Share-based compensation		21,299			2,506
Provision for deferred income taxes		(2,772	)		8,708
Tax benefit from share-based payments		4,422			256
Excess tax benefit from share-based payments		(2,643	)		(139	)
Foreign currency transaction gain		(145	)		(219	)
Changes in assets and liabilities:
Merchandise inventory		2,345			(28,674	)
Accounts receivable		2,865			5,445
Prepaid expenses and other		(347	)		(30,327	)
Other assets		(426	)		(2,400	)
Accounts payable		(46,852	)		(7,301	)
Unredeemed gift cards and gift certificates		(14,260	)		(11,960	)
Deferred lease credits		1,203			(174	)
Accrued compensation and payroll taxes		(20,687	)		(20,110	)
Accrued income and other taxes		(9,498	)		(18,749	)
Accrued liabilities		5,154			90
Total adjustments		(27,019	)		(67,514	)
Net cash provided by (used for) operating activities		12,678			(39,189	)
Investing activities:
Capital expenditures for property and equipment		(24,831	)		(37,744	)
Acquisition of intangible assets		(220	)		(33,151	)
Purchase of available-for-sale securities		(3,051	)		(111,199	)
Sale of available-for-sale securities		20,119			48,887
Net cash used for investing activities		(7,983	)		(133,207	)
Financing activities:
Payments on capital leases		(941	)		(756	)
Repurchase of common stock from employees		(4,100	)		(2,181	)
Net proceeds from stock options exercised		12,165			2,539
Excess tax benefit from share-based payments		2,643			139
Cash dividends paid		(21,524	)		(21,430	)
Net cash used for financing activities		(11,757	)		(21,689	)
Effect of exchange rates changes on cash		960			1,160
Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents		(6,102	)		(192,925	)
Cash and cash equivalents—beginning of period		719,545			667,593
Cash and cash equivalents—end of period	$	713,443		$	474,668
Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information:
Cash paid during the period for income taxes	$	34,782		$	50,419
Cash paid during the period for interest	$	33		$	0

Refer to Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

6

AMERICAN EAGLE OUTFITTERS, INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)

1. Interim Financial Statements

The accompanying Consolidated Financial Statements of American Eagle Outfitters, Inc. (the “Company”) at April 28, 2012 and April 30, 2011 and for the 13 week periods ended April 28, 2012 and April 30, 2011 have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”) for interim financial information and with the instructions to Form 10-Q and Article 10 of Regulation S-X. Accordingly, they do not include all of the information and footnotes required by GAAP for complete financial statements. Certain notes and other information have been condensed or omitted from the interim Consolidated Financial Statements presented in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q. Therefore, these Consolidated Financial Statements should be read in conjunction with the Company’s Fiscal 2011 Annual Report. In the opinion of the Company’s management, all adjustments (consisting of normal recurring adjustments and those described in the footnotes that follow) considered necessary for a fair presentation have been included. The existence of subsequent events has been evaluated through the filing date of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q.

As used in this report, all references to “we,” “our” and the “Company” refer to American Eagle Outfitters, 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. “aerie” refers to our U.S. and Canadian aerie^® by American Eagle^® stores. “77kids” refers to our 77kids by american eagle^® stores. “AEO Direct” refers to our e-commerce operations, ae.com, aerie.com and 77kids.com.

The Company’s business is affected by the pattern of seasonality common to most retail apparel businesses. The results for the current and prior periods are not necessarily indicative of future financial results.

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 April 28, 2012, the Company operated in one reportable segment.

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” and “Fiscal 2010” refer to the 52 week periods ended January 28, 2012 and January 29, 2011, respectively.

Estimates

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of our 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. For public entities, the amendments in ASU 2011-05 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 adopted ASU 2011-05 on January 29, 2012 by presenting total other comprehensive income and its components as a separate statement following the Consolidated Statements of Operations and Retained Earnings.

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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 adopted ASU 2011-08 on January 29, 2012 with no impact to the 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.

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.

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.

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 on 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.

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, 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

8

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.

Other Income, Net

Other income, net consists primarily of interest income/expense, foreign currency transaction gain/loss and realized investment gains/losses.

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 other-than-temporary impairment (“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 the 13 weeks ended April 28, 2012 or April 30, 2011.

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 maturity of three months or less to be cash equivalents.

As of April 28, 2012, short-term investments include treasury bills 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.

As of April 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 OTTI losses related to credit losses, as defined by ASC 320, 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.

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 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.

9

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.

Refer to Note 10 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information regarding income taxes.

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 (“ASC 360”), 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, for stores that have been open for a period of time sufficient to reach maturity. Impairment losses are recorded on long-lived assets used in operations when events and circumstances indicate that the assets are impaired and the undiscounted cash flows estimated to be generated by those assets are less than their carrying amounts. When events such as these occur, the impaired assets are adjusted to their estimated fair value and an impairment loss is recorded. No long-lived asset impairment charges were recorded during the 13 weeks ended April 28, 2012 or April 30, 2011.

Refer to Note 6 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information regarding property, plant 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 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

10

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 in the 13 weeks ended April 28, 2012 or April 30, 2011.

Refer to Note 7 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information regarding intangible assets.

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. During the 13 weeks ended April 28, 2012 and April 30, 2011, the Company recorded $1.9 million and $1.1 million, respectively, of revenue related to gift card breakage.

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.

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 American Eagle, 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.

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.

Segment Information

In accordance with ASC 280, Segment Reporting (“ASC 280”), the Company has identified four operating segments (American Eagle Brand US and Canadian retail stores, aerie retail stores, 77kids 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.

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Reclassification

Certain reclassifications have been made to the Consolidated Financial Statements for prior periods in order to conform to the current period presentation.

3. Cash and Cash Equivalents, Short-term Investments and Long-term Investments

The following table summarizes the fair market values for the Company’s cash and marketable securities, which are recorded on the Consolidated Balance Sheets:

(In thousands)	April 28, 2012		January 28, 2012		April 30, 2011
Cash and cash equivalents:
Cash	$	625,398	$	548,728	$	251,002
Money-market		51,915		131,785		154,548
Commercial paper		19,999		29,998		43,830
Treasury bills		16,131		9,034		25,288
Total cash and cash equivalents	$	713,443	$	719,545	$	474,668
Short-term investments:
Treasury bills	$	3,087	$	19,999	$	73,143
State and local government ARS		5,500		5,500		3,700
Corporate bonds		—		—		21,232
Term-deposits		—		—		18,743
Commercial paper		—		—		13,695
Total short-term investments	$	8,587	$	25,499	$	130,513
Long-term investments:
ARS Call Option	$	727	$	847	$	415
State and local government ARS		—		—		5,500
Total long-term investments	$	727	$	847	$	5,915
Total	$	722,757	$	745,891	$	611,096

Proceeds from the sale of investments were $20.1 million and $48.9 million for the 13 weeks ended April 28, 2012 and April 30, 2011, respectively. The purchase of investments was $3.1 million and $111.2 million for the 13 weeks ended April 28, 2012 and April 30, 2011, respectively. As of April 28, 2012 and April 30, 2011, the fair value of all ARS investments approximated par, with no gross unrealized holding 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 April 28, 2012, the Company determined that the remaining value of the ARS Call Option, which is classified as a long-term investment, was $0.7 million.

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

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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. 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 April 28, 2012 and April 30, 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 table represents the Company’s fair value hierarchy for its financial assets (cash equivalents and investments) measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of April 28, 2012 and April 30, 2011:

	Fair Value Measurements at April 28, 2012
(In thousands)	Carrying Amount		Quoted Market Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1)		Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)		Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)
Cash and cash equivalents:
Cash	$	625,398	$	625,398	$	—	$	—
Money-market		51,915		51,915		—		—
Commercial paper		19,999		19,999		—		—
Treasury bills		16,131		16,131		—		—
Total cash and cash equivalents	$	713,443	$	713,443	$	—	$	—
Short-term investments:
Treasury bills	$	3,087	$	3,087	$	—	$	—
State and local government ARS		5,500		—		—		5,500
Total short-term investments	$	8,587	$	3,087	$	—	$	5,500
Long-term investments:
ARS Call Option	$	727	$	—	$	—	$	727
Total long-term investments	$	727	$	—	$	—	$	727
Total	$	722,757	$	716,530	$	—	$	6,227

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	Fair Value Measurements at April 30, 2011
(In thousands)	Carrying Amount		Quoted Market Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1)		Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)		Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)
Cash and cash equivalents:
Cash	$	251,002	$	251,002	$	—	$	—
Money-market		154,548		154,548		—		—
Commercial paper		43,830		43,830		—		—
Treasury bills		25,288		25,288		—		—
Total cash and cash equivalents	$	474,668	$	474,668	$	—	$	—
Short-term investments:
Treasury bills	$	73,143	$	73,143	$	—	$	—
Corporate bonds		21,232		21,232		—		—
Term-deposits		18,743		18,743		—		—
Commercial paper		13,695		13,695		—		—
State and local government ARS		3,700		—		—		3,700
Total short-term investments	$	130,513	$	126,813	$	—	$	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	$	611,096	$	601,481	$	—	$	9,615

The Company uses a discounted cash flow model to value its Level 3 investments. At April 28, 2012, the assumptions in the Company’s model for Level 3 investments, excluding the ARS Call Option, included a recovery period of two months, a discount factor for yield of 0.1% and illiquidity of 0.5%. At April 30, 2011, the assumptions in the Company’s model included different recovery periods, ranging from two months to 14 months, varying discount factors for yield, ranging from 0.2% to 2.0%, and illiquidity of 0.5%. These assumptions are subjective. They are based on the Company’s current judgment and its view of current market conditions. The use of different reasonable assumptions would not result in a material change to the valuation.

As a result of the discounted cash flow analysis, no impairment loss was recorded for the 13 weeks ended April 28, 2012 or April 30, 2011.

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. Changes in the fair value of the ARS Call Option are recorded within the Consolidated Statements of Operations and Retained Earnings.

The reconciliation of the Company’s assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis using unobservable inputs (Level 3) for the thirteen weeks ended April 28, 2012 is as follows.

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	Level 3 (Unobservable inputs)
(In thousands)	Total			Auction-Rate Municipal Securities		ARS Call Option
Carrying value at January 28, 2012	$	6,347		$	5,500	$	847
Settlements		(120	)		—		(120	)
Balance at April 28, 2012	$	6,227		$	5,500	$	727

There were no changes in the value of the Company’s Level 3 assets from January 29, 2011 to April 30, 2011.

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. During the 13 weeks ended April 28, 2012, there were no triggering events that prompted an asset impairment test of the Company’s non-financial assets.

5. Earnings per Share

The following is a reconciliation between basic and diluted weighted average shares outstanding:

	13 Weeks Ended
(In thousands)	April 28, 2012		April 30, 2011
Weighted average common shares outstanding:
Basic number of common shares outstanding		194,890		194,683
Dilutive effect of stock options and non-vested restricted stock		2,362		1,950
Diluted number of common shares outstanding		197,252		196,633

Equity awards to purchase approximately 7.7 million shares of common stock during the 13 weeks ended April 28, 2012 and approximately 7.4 million shares of common stock during the 13 weeks ended April 30, 2011, respectively, were outstanding, but were not included in the computation of weighted average diluted common share amounts as the effect of doing so would be anti-dilutive.

There were approximately 0.9 million shares for the 13 weeks ended April 28, 2012 and approximately 1.8 million shares for the 13 weeks ended April 30, 2011 of restricted stock units that were outstanding, but not included in the computation of weighted average diluted common share amounts as the effect of doing so would have been anti-dilutive.

Refer to Note 9 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information regarding share-based compensation.

6. Property and Equipment

Property and equipment consists of the following:

(In thousands)	April 28, 2012			January 28, 2012			April 30, 2011
Property and equipment, at cost	$	1,458,090		$	1,458,522		$	1,458,608
Less: Accumulated depreciation		(885,986	)		(876,360	)		(816,701	)
Property and equipment, net	$	572,104		$	582,162		$	641,907

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7. Intangible Assets

Intangible assets consist of the following:

(In thousands)	April 28, 2012			January 28, 2012			April 30, 2011
Trademarks, at cost	$	44,362		$	44,142		$	43,114
Less: Accumulated amortization		(4,806	)		(4,310	)		(2,660	)
Intangible assets, net	$	39,556		$	39,832		$	40,454

8. Other Credit Arrangements

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, growth initiatives and the issuance of letters of credit.

The Credit Agreement contains financial covenants that require the Company to maintain certain coverage and leverage ratios, and various customary affirmative and negative covenants such as the ability to incur additional debt not otherwise permitted under the Credit Agreement.

The Credit Agreement has various borrowing options, including rates of interest that are based on (i) an Adjusted London Interbank Offered Rate (“LIBOR” as defined in the Credit Agreement) plus a margin ranging from 1.00% to 1.75% based on a defined leverage ratio, payable at the end of the applicable interest period; and (ii) a Base Rate (as defined in the Credit Agreement), plus a margin ranging from 0.00% to 0.75% based on a defined leverage ratio, payable quarterly.

Under the Credit Agreement, the Company is also required to pay a commitment fee ranging from 0.175% to 0.30%, based on the defined leverage ratio, on the unused portion of the total lender commitments.

As of April 28, 2012, the Company was in compliance with the terms of the Credit Agreement and had $7.6 million outstanding in letters of credit and no borrowings.

The Credit Agreement replaced uncommitted demand lines in the aggregate amount of $110.0 million United States dollars (“USD”) and $25.0 million Canadian dollars (“CAD”).

Additionally, the Company has borrowing agreements with two separate financial institutions under which it may borrow an aggregate of $135.0 million USD for the purposes of trade letter of credit issuances. As of April 28, 2012, the Company had outstanding trade letters of credit of $23.9 million. The availability of any future borrowings under the trade letter of credit facilities is subject to acceptance by the respective financial institutions.

9. Share-Based Compensation

The Company accounts for share-based compensation under the provisions of ASC 718, Compensation—Stock Compensation (“ASC 718”), which requires companies 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 the 13 weeks ended April 28, 2012 and April 30, 2011 was $21.3 million ($13.1 million, net of tax) and $2.5 million ($1.5 million net of tax), respectively.

Stock Option Grants

The Company grants both time-based and performance-based stock options under its 2005 Stock Award and Incentive 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 one year and are earned if the Company meets pre-established performance goals.

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A summary of the Company’s stock option activity for the 13 weeks ended April 28, 2012 follows:

	Options			Weighted-Average Exercise Price		Weighted-Average Remaining Contractual Term		Aggregate Intrinsic Value
	(In thousands)					(In years)		(In thousands)
Outstanding—January 28, 2012		11,197		$	15.31
Granted		1,046		$	14.26
Exercised (1)		(1,516	)	$	8.00
Cancelled		(391	)	$	10.57
Outstanding—April 28, 2012		10,336		$	16.45		2.5	$	40,451
Vested and expected to vest—April 28, 2012		10,235		$	16.47		2.5	$	40,085
Exercisable—April 28, 2012 (2)		4,973		$	11.56		2.1	$	34,183

(1) Options exercised during the 13 weeks ended April 28, 2012 had exercise prices ranging from $4.54 to $13.04.

(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 April 28, 2012.

The weighted-average grant date fair value of stock options granted during the 13 weeks ended April 28, 2012 and April 30, 2011 was $3.69 and $4.73, respectively. The aggregate intrinsic value of options exercised during the 13 weeks ended April 28, 2012 and April 30, 2011 was $13.1 million and $1.2 million, respectively.

Cash received from the exercise of stock options was $12.2 million for the 13 weeks ended April 28, 2012 and $2.5 million for the 13 weeks ended April 30, 2011. The actual tax benefit realized from stock option exercises totaled $4.4 million for the 13 weeks ended April 28, 2012 and $0.3 million for the 13 weeks ended April 30, 2011.

The fair value of stock options was estimated based on the closing market price of the Company’s common stock on the date of the grant using a Black-Scholes option pricing model with the following weighted-average assumptions:

	13 Weeks Ended
Black-Scholes Option Valuation Assumptions	April 28, 2012			April 30, 2011
Risk-free interest rate (1)		0.6	%		2.1	%
Dividend yield		2.8	%		2.3	%
Volatility factor (2)		41.2	%		42.7	%
Weighted-average expected term (3)		4.0 years			5.0 years
Expected forfeiture rate (4)		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.

(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, based on historical experience.

(4) Based upon historical experience.

As of April 28, 2012, there was $3.4 million of unrecognized compensation expense related to non-vested stock option awards that is expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of 2.3 years.

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.

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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 Company’s restricted stock activity is presented in the following tables:

	Time-Based Restricted Stock Units					Performance-Based Restricted Stock Units
	13 Weeks Ended April 28, 2012					13 Weeks Ended April 28, 2012
(Shares in thousands)	Shares			Weighted-Average Grant Date Fair Value		Shares			Weighted-Average Grant Date Fair Value
Nonvested - January 28, 2012		1,784		$	15.73		1,762		$	14.23
Granted		1,472			14.69		869			14.65
Vested		(1,074	)		16.65		—			—
Cancelled		(56	)		15.02		(397	)		11.67
Nonvested - April 28, 2012		2,126		$	14.56		2,234		$	14.85

As of April 28, 2012, there was $35.5 million of unrecognized compensation expense related to non-vested time-based restricted stock unit awards that is expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of 2.3 years. Additionally, there was $18.9 million of unrecognized compensation expense related to performance-based restricted stock unit awards which will be recognized as achievement of performance goals is probable.

As of April 28, 2012, the Company had 23.2 million shares available for all equity grants.

10. Income Taxes

The provision for income taxes from continuing operations is based on the current estimate of the annual effective income tax rate and is adjusted as necessary for quarterly events. The effective income tax rate from continuing operations based on actual operating results for the 13 weeks ended April 28, 2012 was 34.7% compared to 34.0% for the 13 weeks ended April 30, 2011. The effective income tax rate for the 13 weeks ended April 28, 2012 and April 30, 2011, respectively, was lower than the statutory rate primarily due to proceeds received related to the Company’s ARS call option for which no income tax expense was recognized, as well as federal and state income tax settlements and other changes in income tax reserves.

The Company records accrued interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits in income tax expense.

The Company recognizes income tax liabilities related to unrecognized tax benefits in accordance with ASC 740 and adjusts these liabilities when its judgment changes as the result of the evaluation of new information not previously available. Unrecognized tax benefits did not change significantly during the 13 weeks ended April 28, 2012 and April 30, 2011, respectively. Over the next twelve months, the Company believes that it is reasonably possible that unrecognized tax benefits may decrease by approximately $6.6 million due to settlements, expiration of statute of limitations or other changes in unrecognized tax benefits.

11. Legal Proceedings

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”), management 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 or results of operations of the Company.

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12. Subsequent Event

On May 18, 2012, the Company announced plans to exit the 77kids business, which includes 22 stores and the online business. The Company is currently exploring options for the business, which include a full or partial disposition of assets to a third party. In fiscal 2011, the brand generated an after-tax loss of $23.6 million on sales of $39.8 million. Pre-tax asset impairment charges of approximately $16.0 million are expected in the second quarter as a result of the decision. The Company anticipates the remaining exit charges to be taken primarily in the second and third quarters, which will be disclosed when the plans are finalized.

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Review by Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

Ernst & Young LLP, our independent registered public accounting firm, has performed a limited review of the unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements as of and for the thirteen week periods ended April 28, 2012 and April 30, 2011, as indicated in their report on the limited review included below. Since they did not perform an audit, they express no opinion on the unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements referred to above.

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

The Board of Directors and Stockholders

American Eagle Outfitters, Inc.

We have reviewed the consolidated balance sheets of American Eagle Outfitters, Inc. (the Company) as of April 28, 2012 and April 30, 2011, and the related consolidated statements of operations and retained earnings, the consolidated statements of comprehensive income and the consolidated statements of cash flows for the thirteen week periods ended April 28, 2012 and April 30, 2011. These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management.

We conducted our reviews in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). A review of interim financial information consists principally of applying analytical procedures and making inquiries of persons responsible for financial and accounting matters. It is substantially less in scope than an audit conducted in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board, the objective of which is the expression of an opinion regarding the financial statements taken as a whole. Accordingly, we do not express such an opinion.

Based on our reviews, we are not aware of any material modifications that should be made to the consolidated financial statements referred to above for them to be in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles.

We have previously audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the consolidated balance sheet of American Eagle Outfitters, Inc. as of January 28, 2012, and the related consolidated statements of operations, comprehensive income, stockholders’ equity, and cash flows for the year then ended not presented herein, and in our report dated March 15, 2012, we expressed an unqualified opinion on those consolidated financial statements. In our opinion, the information set forth in the accompanying consolidated balance sheet as of January 28, 2012, is fairly stated, in all material respects, in relation to the consolidated balance sheet from which it has been derived.

/s/ Ernst & Young LLP

Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

May 24, 2012

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ITEM 2. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS.

The following discussion and analysis of financial condition and results of operations should be read in conjunction with our Fiscal 2011 Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations which can be found in our Fiscal 2011 Annual Report on Form 10-K.

In addition, 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 these 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 15 new American Eagle stores during Fiscal 2012;

• the selection of approximately 55 to 65 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 30 new franchised American Eagle stores during Fiscal 2012;

• the success of aerie by American Eagle and aerie.com;

• the planned exit of the 77kids brand including all 22 77kids by american eagle stores and online business;

• the expected payment of a dividend in future periods;

• the possibility to engage 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 have a significant impact to our profitability; and

• 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 Item 1A of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q and Item 1A of our Fiscal 2011 Annual Report on Form 10-K. Accordingly, our future performance and financial results may differ materially from those expressed or implied in any such forward-looking statements.

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, 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, 77kids and AEO Direct are included in comparable stores sales. Sales from 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

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and warehousing costs consist of: compensation, employee benefit expenses and travel for our buyers; 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. 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 liquidity. 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

The following discussion of operating results reflects our consolidated operations, including 77kids. Refer to “Impact of 77kids” caption below.

Our first quarter performance resulted in net sales increasing 18% and EPS expanding 43% to $0.20 per diluted share, which includes a $0.02 loss per diluted share from 77kids. Strong demand enabled us to pull back on planned promotions and top line growth helped mitigate pressure from higher product costs. Additionally, we leveraged fixed operating expense, also contributing to bottom line growth.

Net sales for the first quarter increased 18% to $719.1 million and comparable store sales, including AE Direct, increased 17%, against a 7% decrease last year. By brand, AE comparable store sales increased 17% to last year, aerie comparable store sales increased 20% and sales for AEO Direct increased 22% in the first quarter.

Gross profit increased 18% from last year. However, gross margin declined 10 basis points to 37.9% as a rate to sales. Merchandise margin decreased 230 basis points due to increased product costs, primarily related to cotton and increased incentive accruals, offset slightly by an improvement in the markdown rate. Buying, occupancy and warehousing costs improved by 220 basis points, which was driven by the 17% increase in comparable store sales for the quarter.

Operating income for the first quarter was $57.3 million compared to $38.4 million last year. Operating income as a rate to net sales was 8.0% this year compared to 6.3% last year. Net income increased to $39.7 million compared to $28.3 million a year ago. Net income was $0.20 per diluted share this year compared to $0.14 per diluted share last year.

Subsequent to the end of the first quarter, we announced plans to exit the 77kids brand. The net income impact of 77kids was $4.3 million, or a $0.02 loss per diluted share, this year as compared to $3.5 million, or a $0.02 loss per diluted share, last year.

We had $722.0 million in cash and short-term investments as of April 28, 2012. Merchandise inventory at April 28, 2012 was $376.7 million, compared to $331.6 million last year, an increase of 14% on a cost per foot basis.

Our business is affected by the pattern of seasonality common to most retail apparel businesses. The results for the current and prior periods are not necessarily indicative of future financial results.

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The following table shows the percentage relationship to net sales of the listed line items included in our Consolidated Statements of Operations.

	13 Weeks Ended
	April 28, 2012			April 30, 2011
Net sales		100.0	%		100.0	%
Cost of sales, including certain buying, occupancy and warehousing expenses		62.1			62.0
Gross profit		37.9			38.0
Selling, general and administrative expenses		25.4			26.0
Depreciation and amortization expense		4.5			5.7
Operating income		8.0			6.3
Other (expense) income, net		0.5			0.7
Income before income taxes		8.5			7.0
Provision for income taxes		3.0			2.4
Net income		5.5			4.6

The following table shows our adjusted consolidated store data for the 13 weeks ended April 28, 2012 and April 30, 2011.

	13 Weeks Ended
	April 28, 2012			April 30, 2011
Number of stores:
Beginning of period		1,090			1,086
Opened		7			11
Closed		(7	)		(1	)
End of period		1,090			1,096
Total gross square feet at end of period		6,414,420			6,397,205
International franchise stores at end of period (1)		34			5

(1) International franchise stores are not included in the consolidated store data or the total gross square feet calculation.

Our operations are conducted in one reportable segment, which includes 911 U.S. and Canadian AE retail stores, 157 aerie stand-alone retail stores, 22 77kids retail stores and AEO Direct.

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Comparison of the 13 weeks ended April 28, 2012 to the 13 weeks ended April 30, 2011

The following discussion of operating results reflects our consolidated operations, including 77kids. Refer to “Impact of 77kids” caption below.

Net Sales

Net sales increased 18% to $719.1 million compared to $609.6 million last year. The change in net sales resulted primarily from a comparable store sales increase of 17% for the period, including a 22% increase in AEO Direct sales. Included in these sales are total net sales for 77kids of $10.4 million this year, compared to $6.5 million last year.

AE women’s comparable store sales increased 17% and men’s comparable stores increased 16%. For the first quarter, transactions increased in the low double-digits, driven by higher traffic and conversion. AUR was flat to last year, demonstrating improvement from the second half of Fiscal 2011.

Gross Profit

Gross profit increased 18% to $272.7 million, or 37.9% as a rate to net sales, from $231.8 million, or 38.0% as a rate to net sales last year. The percentage decrease was attributed to a 230 basis point decrease in the merchandise margin and a 220 basis point decrease in buying, occupancy and warehousing costs, as a percent to net sales. The decrease in merchandise margin was the result of increased product costs, primarily related to cotton and incentive costs, offset slightly by an improvement in the markdown rate. Buying, occupancy and warehousing expenses decreased as a rate to sales as a result of the 17% increase in comparable store sales for the quarter. Included in gross profit this year was a $2.3 million loss for 77kids, compared to a $2.1 million loss last year.

There was $11.0 million of share-based payment expense included in gross profit for the period, comprised of both time and performance-based awards, compared to $1.2 million last year, comprised of only time-based awards.

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 and others 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 expenses increased to $182.6 million from $158.5 million last year and improved 60 basis points, as a rate to net sales, to 25.4% from 26.0% last year. The $24.1 million increase was primarily due to an increase in incentive compensation and variable selling expense incremental to last year. Included in SG&A this year was $4.1 million of expense for 77kids, compared to $3.2 million last year.

There was $10.3 million of share-based payment expense included in selling, general and administrative expenses, comprised of both time and performance-based awards, compared to $1.3 million last year, comprised of only time-based awards.

Depreciation and Amortization Expense

Depreciation and amortization expense as a rate to net sales decreased to 4.5% compared to 5.7% for the corresponding period last year as a result of the higher net sales for the period. Depreciation and amortization expense decreased to $32.8 million, compared to $34.9 million last year as a result of the asset impairments recorded in the fourth quarter of Fiscal 2011. Included in depreciation and amortization expense this year was $0.7 million of expense for 77kids, compared to $0.4 million last year.

Other Income, Net

Other income was $3.5 million compared to income of $4.5 million last year. Other income for both periods relates primarily to additional proceeds received from the ARS Call Option.

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Provision for Income Taxes

The provision for income taxes from continuing operations is based on the current estimate of the annual effective income tax rate and is adjusted as necessary for quarterly events. The effective income tax rate based on actual operating results for the 13 weeks ended April 28, 2012 was 34.7% compared to 34.0% for the 13 weeks ended April 30, 2011. The effective income tax rate for the 13 weeks ended April 28, 2012 and April 30, 2011, respectively, was lower than the statutory rate primarily due to proceeds received related to the Company’s ARS Call Option for which no income tax expense was recognized, as well as federal and state income tax settlements and other changes in income tax reserves.

Net Income

Net income increased to $39.7 million, or 5.5% as a percent to net sales, from $28.3 million, or 4.6% as a percent to net sales last year. Net income per diluted share increased to $0.20 from $0.14 in the prior year. Net income includes a $4.4 million loss, or a $0.02 per diluted share loss, this year for 77kids, compared to a $3.5 million loss, or a $0.02 per diluted shared loss, last year. The change in net income is attributable to the factors noted above.

Impact of 77kids

On May 18, 2012, we announced plans to exit 77kids business, which includes 22 stores and the online business. We are currently exploring alternatives for the business, which include a full or partial disposition of assets to a third party. In fiscal 2011, the brand generated an after-tax loss of $23.6 million on sales of $39.8 million. Pre-tax asset impairment charges of approximately $16.0 million are expected in the second quarter as a result of the decision. We anticipate the remaining exit charges to be taken primarily in the second and third quarters, which will be disclosed when the plans are finalized.

The following financial information for 77kids is included in our Consolidated Statements of Operations for the 13 weeks ended April 28, 2012 and April 30, 2011:

(In thousands, except per share amounts)	13 weeks ended April 28, 2012			13 weeks ended April 30, 2011
Net sales	$	10,398		$	6,478
Gross profit		(2,250	)		(2,058	)
Selling, general and administrative expenses		4,066			3,239
Depreciation and amortization		732			444
Operating loss		(7,048	)		(5,741	)
Net loss		(4,338	)		(3,546	)
Net loss per diluted common share		(0.02	)		(0.02	)

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 the April 28, 2012, we had 34 franchised stores operated by our franchise partners in 12 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.

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 a 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 April 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 auction rate securities (“ARS”).

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In accordance with ASC 820, the following table represents the fair value hierarchy of our financial assets (cash equivalents and investments) measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of April 28, 2012:

	Fair Value Measurements at April 28, 2012
(In thousands)	Carrying Amount			Quoted Market Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1)			Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)			Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)
Cash and cash equivalents:
Cash	$	625,398		$	625,398		$	—		$	—
Money-market		51,915			51,915			—			—
Commercial paper		19,999			19,999			—			—
Treasury bills		16,131			16,131			—			—
Total cash and cash equivalents	$	713,443		$	713,443		$	—		$	—
Short-term investments:
Treasury bills	$	3,087		$	3,087		$	—		$	—
State and local government ARS		5,500			—			—			5,500
Total short-term investments	$	8,587		$	3,087		$	—		$	5,500
Long-term investments: ARS Call Option	$	727		$	—		$	—		$	727
Total long-term investments	$	727		$	—		$	—		$	727
Total	$	722,757		$	716,530		$	—		$	6,227
Percent to Total		100.0	%		99.1	%		0.0	%		0.9	%

We use a discounted cash flow model to value our Level 3 investments. The assumptions in our model for Level 3 investments, excluding the ARS Call Option, included a recovery period of two 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 considers potential changes in yields for securities with similar characteristics to the underlying ARS and evaluates possible future refinancing opportunities of the issuers of the ARS. The analysis then assesses 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, these uses of cash have been funded with cash flow from operations and existing cash on hand. We expect to be able to fund our future cash requirements through current cash holdings as well as cash generated from operations.

Our growth strategy includes internally developing our 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.

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The following sets forth certain measures of our liquidity:

	April 28, 2012		January 28, 2012		April 30, 2011
Working Capital (in 000’s)	$	941,760	$	882,087	$	778,996
Current Ratio		3.96		3.18		3.41

The $59.7 million increase in working capital as of April 28, 2012 compared to January 28, 2012, 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 and the payment of dividends.

The $162.8 million increase in working capital as of April 28, 2012, compared to April 30, 2011, is primarily a result of cash generated by net income, net of non-cash adjustments, which funded our use of cash for financing and investing activities including capital expenditures and as well as the distribution of cash to shareholders through the payment of dividends.

Cash Flows from Operating Activities

Net cash provided by (used for) operating activities totaled $12.7 million and ($39.2) million for the 13 weeks ended April 28, 2012 and April 30, 2011, respectively. For both periods, our major source of cash from operations was merchandise sales and our primary outflow of cash for operations was for the payment of operational costs. Cash flows from operations this year were positive, driven in part by an increase in net income, net of non-cash adjustments, as a result of the 18% increase in sales.

Cash Flows from Investing Activities

Investing activities for the 13 weeks ended April 28, 2012 included $24.8 million of capital expenditures for property and equipment, $3.1 million of investment purchases and $0.2 million for the acquisition of intangible assets primarily related to our international expansion strategy, partially offset by $20.1 million of proceeds from the sale of investments classified as available-for-sale. Investing activities for the 13 weeks ended April 30, 2011 primarily included $37.7 million of capital expenditures for property and equipment, $33.2 million for the acquisition of intangible assets related to our international expansion strategy and $111.2 million of investment purchases, partially offset by $48.9 million of proceeds from the sale of investments classified as available-for-sale.

Cash Flows from Financing Activities

Cash used for financing activities for the 13 weeks ended April 28, 2012 and April 30, 2011 consisted primarily of $21.5 million and $21.4 million, respectively, for the payment of dividends.

Credit Facilities

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, growth initiatives and the issuance of letters of credit.

The Credit Agreement contains financial covenants that require us to maintain certain coverage and leverage ratios, and various customary affirmative and negative covenants such as the ability to incur additional debt not otherwise permitted under the Credit Agreement.

The Credit Agreement has various borrowing options, including rates of interest that are based on (i) an Adjusted London Interbank Offered Rate (“LIBOR” as defined in the Credit Agreement) plus a margin ranging from 1.00% to 1.75% based on a defined leverage ratio, payable at the end of the applicable interest period; and (ii) a Base Rate (as defined in the Credit Agreement), plus a margin ranging from 0.00% to 0.75% based on a defined leverage ratio, payable quarterly.

Under the Credit Agreement, we are also required to pay a commitment fee ranging from 0.175% to 0.30%, based on the defined leverage ratio, on the unused portion of the total lender commitments.

As of April 28, 2012, we were in compliance with the terms of the Credit Agreement and had $7.6 million outstanding in letters of credit and no borrowings.

The Credit Agreement replaced uncommitted demand lines in the aggregate amount of $110.0 million United States dollars (“USD”) and $25.0 million Canadian dollars (“CAD”).

Additionally, we had borrowing agreements with two separate financial institutions under which we may borrow an aggregate of $135.0 million USD for the purposes of trade letter of credit issuances. As of April 28, 2012, we had outstanding trade letters of credit of $23.9 million. The availability of any future borrowings under our trade letter of credit facilities is subject to acceptance by the respective financial institutions.

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Capital Expenditures for Property and Equipment

Capital expenditures for the 13 weeks ended April 28, 2012 were $24.8 million and included $16.5 million related to investments in our stores, including six new AE stores and one 77kids store, and 21 remodels. Additionally, we continued to support our infrastructure growth by investing in information technology initiatives ($4.2 million), the improvement and expansion of our distribution centers ($0.7 million), and other home office projects ($3.4 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 55 to 65 AE stores with average operating results above the chain average.

Stock Repurchases

There were no share repurchases as a part of our publicly announced repurchase programs during the 13 weeks ended April 28, 2012 or April 30, 2011. As of April 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 the 13 weeks ended April 28, 2012 and April 30, 2011, we repurchased approximately 0.3 million and 0.1 million shares, respectively, from certain employees at market prices totaling $4.1 million and $2.2 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. The aforementioned shares repurchased have been recorded as treasury stock.

Dividends

During the 13 weeks ended April 28, 2012, our Board declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.11 per share, which was paid on April 9, 2012.

Critical Accounting Policies

Our critical accounting policies are described in Item 7, Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations, and in the notes to our Consolidated Financial Statements for the year ended January 28, 2012 contained in our Fiscal 2011 Annual Report on Form 10-K. Any new accounting policies or updates to existing accounting policies as a result of new accounting pronouncements have been discussed in the notes to our Consolidated Financial Statements in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q. The application of our critical accounting policies may require management to make judgments and estimates about the amounts reflected in the Consolidated Financial Statements. Management uses historical experience and all available information to make these estimates and judgments, and different amounts could be reported using different assumptions and estimates.

ITEM 3. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK.

There were no material changes in our exposure to market risk from January 28, 2012. Our market risk profile as of January 28, 2012 is disclosed in Item 7A, Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk, of our Fiscal 2011 Annual Report on Form 10-K.

ITEM 4. 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 Securities and Exchange Commission’s rules and forms, and that such information is accumulated and communicated to our 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 Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, as of April 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 our disclosure controls

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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 Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q.

Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting

There were no changes in our internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the 13 weeks ended April 28, 2012 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

PART II – OTHER INFORMATION

ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS.

Risk factors that affect our business and financial results are discussed within Item 1A of our Fiscal 2011 Annual Report on Form 10-K. There have been no material changes to the disclosures relating to this item from those set forth in our Fiscal 2011 Annual Report on Form 10-K.

ITEM 2. UNREGISTERED SALES OF EQUITY SECURITIES AND USE OF PROCEEDS.

Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities

The following table provides information regarding our repurchases of our common stock during the 13 weeks ended April 28, 2012.

Period	Total Number of Shares Purchased		Average Price Paid Per Share		Total Number of Shares Purchased as Part of Publicly Announced Programs		Maximum Number of Shares that May Yet Be Purchased Under the Program
	(1)		(2)		(1)		(1) (3)
Month #1 (January 29, 2012 through February 25, 2012)		—	$	—		—		13,134,545
Month #2 (February 26, 2012 through March 31, 2012)		278,965	$	14.70		—		13,134,545
Month #3 (April 1, 2012 through April 28, 2012)		—	$	—		—		13,134,545
Total		278,965	$	14.70		—		13,134,545

(1) There were no shares repurchased as part of our publicly announced share repurchase program during the 13 weeks ended April 28, 2012. Shares purchased during Month #2 were all repurchased from employees 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 aurhorized 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.

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ITEM 6. EXHIBITS.

* Exhibit 15	Acknowledgement of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
* Exhibit 31.1	Certification by Robert L. Hanson pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) or Rule 15d-14(a)
* Exhibit 31.2	Certification by Scott Hurd pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) or Rule 15d-14(a)
**Exhibit 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
**Exhibit 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
** Exhibit 101	Interactive Data File

* Filed with this report.

** Furnished with this report.

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SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements 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.

Dated: May 24, 2012

American Eagle Outfitters, Inc. (Registrant)
By:	/s/ Robert L. Hanson
	Robert L. Hanson
	Chief Executive Officer
	(Principal Executive Officer)

By:	/s/ Scott Hurd
	Scott Hurd
	Vice President and Controller
	(Interim Principal Financial Officer and Interim Principal Accounting Officer)

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EX-15

Exhibit 15

Acknowledgment of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

The Board of Directors and Stockholders

American Eagle Outfitters, Inc.

We are aware of 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 (Form 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 Nos. 333-126278 and 333-161661).

of our report dated May 24, 2012 related to the unaudited consolidated financial statements of American Eagle Outfitters, Inc., that is included in its Form 10-Q for the quarter ended April 28, 2012.

/s/ Ernst & Young LLP

Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

Dated: May 24, 2012

EX-31.1

Exhibit 31.1

CERTIFICATIONS

I, Robert L. Hanson, certify that:

1. I have reviewed this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q 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.

Dated: May 24, 2012

/s/ Robert L. Hanson

Robert L. Hanson

Chief Executive Officer

(Principal Executive Officer)

EX-31.2

Exhibit 31.2

CERTIFICATIONS

I, Scott Hurd, certify that:

1. I have reviewed this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q 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.

Dated: May 24, 2012

/s/ Scott Hurd

Scott Hurd

Vice President and Controller

(Interim Principal Financial Officer and Interim

Principal Accounting Officer)

EX-32.1

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 Quarterly Report of American Eagle Outfitters, Inc. (the “Company”) on Form 10-Q for the period ended April 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.

Dated: May 24, 2012

/s/ Robert L. Hanson

Robert L. Hanson

Chief Executive Officer

(Principal Executive Officer)

EX-32.2

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 Quarterly Report of American Eagle Outfitters, Inc. (the “Company”) on Form 10-Q for the period ended April 28, 2012 as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on the date hereof (the “Report”), I, Scott Hurd, 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.

Dated: May 24, 2012

/s/ Scott Hurd

Scott Hurd

Vice President and Contoller

(Interim Principal Financial Officer and Interim

Principal Accounting Officer)

XML

Share-Based Compensation- Additional Information (Detail) (USD $) Share data in Millions, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Apr. 28, 2012	Apr. 30, 2011
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share-based compensation expense	$ 21,300,000	$ 2,500,000
Share-based compensation expense, net of tax	13,100,000	1,500,000
Weighted-average grant date fair value of stock options granted	$ 3.69	$ 4.73
Aggregate intrinsic value of options exercised	13,100,000	1,200,000
Cash received from the exercise of stock options	12,165,000	2,539,000
Tax benefit realized from stock option exercises	4,422,000	256,000
Shares available for all equity grants	23.2
Time-Based Restricted Stock Units
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Unrecognized compensation expense	35,500,000
Unrecognized compensation expense, weighted average period	2.3
Vesting period	3 years
Stock Options
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Unrecognized compensation expense	3,400,000
Unrecognized compensation expense, weighted average period	2.3
Performance-Based Restricted Stock Units
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Unrecognized compensation expense	$ 18,900,000
Vesting period	3 years

XML

Reconciliation of Assets Measured at Fair Value On Recurring Basis Using Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) (Detail) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended			3 Months Ended
	Apr. 28, 2012	Apr. 28, 2012 ARS State and local government	Jan. 28, 2012 ARS State and local government	Apr. 28, 2012 ARS Call Option
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Line Items]
Beginning Balance	$ 6,347	$ 5,500	$ 5,500	$ 847
Settlements	(120)			(120)
Ending Balance	$ 6,227	$ 5,500	$ 5,500	$ 727

XML

Intangible Assets (Tables)

3 Months Ended

Apr. 28, 2012

Intangible assets

Intangible assets consist of the following:

(In thousands)	April 28, 2012			January 28, 2012			April 30, 2011
Trademarks, at cost	$	44,362		$	44,142		$	43,114
Less: Accumulated amortization		(4,806	)		(4,310	)		(2,660	)
Intangible assets, net	$	39,556		$	39,832		$	40,454

XML

Black-Scholes Option Valuation Assumptions (Detail)	3 Months Ended
	Apr. 28, 2012 Year		Apr. 30, 2011 Year
Share based Compensation Arrangement by Share based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions, Method Used [Line Items]
Risk-free interest rate	0.60%	[1]	2.10%	[1]
Dividend yield	2.80%		2.30%
Volatility factor	41.20%	[2]	42.70%	[2]
Weighted-average expected term	4	[3]	5	[3]
Expected forfeiture rate	8.00%	[4]	8.00%	[4]

[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.

[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, based on historical experience.

[4] Based upon historical experience.

XML

Intangible Assets (Detail) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Apr. 28, 2012	Jan. 28, 2012	Apr. 30, 2011
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Trademarks, at cost	$ 44,362	$ 44,142	$ 43,114
Less: Accumulated amortization	(4,806)	(4,310)	(2,660)
Intangible assets, net	$ 39,556	$ 39,832	$ 40,454

XML

Cash and Cash Equivalents, Short-term Investments and Long-term Investments

3 Months Ended

Apr. 28, 2012

Cash and Cash Equivalents, Short-term Investments and Long-term Investments

3. Cash and Cash Equivalents, Short-term Investments and Long-term Investments

The following table summarizes the fair market values for the Company’s cash and marketable securities, which are recorded on the Consolidated Balance Sheets:

(In thousands)	April 28, 2012		January 28, 2012		April 30, 2011
Cash and cash equivalents:
Cash	$	625,398	$	548,728	$	251,002
Money-market		51,915		131,785		154,548
Commercial paper		19,999		29,998		43,830
Treasury bills		16,131		9,034		25,288
Total cash and cash equivalents	$	713,443	$	719,545	$	474,668
Short-term investments:
Treasury bills	$	3,087	$	19,999	$	73,143
State and local government ARS		5,500		5,500		3,700
Corporate bonds		—		—		21,232
Term-deposits		—		—		18,743
Commercial paper		—		—		13,695
Total short-term investments	$	8,587	$	25,499	$	130,513
Long-term investments:
ARS Call Option	$	727	$	847	$	415
State and local government ARS		—		—		5,500
Total long-term investments	$	727	$	847	$	5,915
Total	$	722,757	$	745,891	$	611,096

Proceeds from the sale of investments were $20.1 million and $48.9 million for the 13 weeks ended April 28, 2012 and April 30, 2011, respectively. The purchase of investments was $3.1 million and $111.2 million for the 13 weeks ended April 28, 2012 and April 30, 2011, respectively. As of April 28, 2012 and April 30, 2011, the fair value of all ARS investments approximated par, with no gross unrealized holding 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 April 28, 2012, the Company determined that the remaining value of the ARS Call Option, which is classified as a long-term investment, was $0.7 million.

XML

Summary of Restricted Stock Activity (Detail) (USD $) In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Apr. 28, 2012
Time-Based Restricted Stock Units
Shares
Nonvested - beginning	1,784
Granted	1,472
Vested	(1,074)
Cancelled	(56)
Nonvested - ending	2,126
Weighted-Average Grant Date Fair Value
Nonvested - beginning	$ 15.73
Granted	$ 14.69
Vested	$ 16.65
Cancelled	$ 15.02
Nonvested - ending	$ 14.56
Performance-Based Restricted Stock Units
Shares
Nonvested - beginning	1,762
Granted	869
Cancelled	(397)
Nonvested - ending	2,234
Weighted-Average Grant Date Fair Value
Nonvested - beginning	$ 14.23
Granted	$ 14.65
Cancelled	$ 11.67
Nonvested - ending	$ 14.85

XML

Fair Market Values for Cash and Marketable Securities (Detail) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Apr. 28, 2012	Jan. 28, 2012	Apr. 30, 2011	Jan. 29, 2011
Cash and cash equivalents:
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 713,443	$ 719,545	$ 474,668	$ 667,593
Short-term investments:
Short-term investments	8,587	25,499	130,513
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring
Cash and cash equivalents:
Cash and cash equivalents	713,443	719,545	474,668
Short-term investments:
Short-term investments	8,587	25,499	130,513
Long-term investments:
Long-term investments	727	847	5,915
Total	722,757	745,891	611,096
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Cash
Cash and cash equivalents:
Cash and cash equivalents	625,398	548,728	251,002
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Money-market
Cash and cash equivalents:
Cash and cash equivalents	51,915	131,785	154,548
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Commercial paper
Cash and cash equivalents:
Cash and cash equivalents	19,999	29,998	43,830
Short-term investments:
Short-term investments			13,695
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Treasury bills
Cash and cash equivalents:
Cash and cash equivalents	16,131	9,034	25,288
Short-term investments:
Short-term investments	3,087	19,999	73,143
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Corporate bonds
Short-term investments:
Short-term investments			21,232
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Term-deposits
Short-term investments:
Short-term investments			18,743
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | ARS Call Option
Long-term investments:
Long-term investments	727	847	415
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | ARS | State and local government
Short-term investments:
Short-term investments	5,500	5,500	3,700
Long-term investments:
Long-term investments			$ 5,500

XML

Useful Lives of Major Classes of Assets (Detail)	3 Months Ended
	Apr. 28, 2012 Year
Buildings
Property, Plant and Equipment, Estimated Useful Lives, Lease Terms [Line Items]
Useful lives in asset class	25
Leasehold Improvements
Property, Plant and Equipment, Estimated Useful Lives, Lease Terms [Line Items]
Useful lives in asset class	Lesser of 10 years or the term of the lease
Useful lives in asset class, maximum	10
Fixtures and equipment
Property, Plant and Equipment, Estimated Useful Lives, Lease Terms [Line Items]
Useful lives in asset class	5

XML

Income Taxes - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Apr. 28, 2012	Apr. 30, 2011
Income Taxes [Line Items]
Effective income tax rate from continuing operations	34.70%	34.00%
Significant changes in unrecognized tax benefits	$ 0	$ 0
Unrecognized tax benefits decrease expected to be recognized with in the next twelve months	$ (6.6)

XML

Cash and Cash Equivalents, Short-term Investments and Long-term Investments - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		12 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
	Apr. 28, 2012	Apr. 30, 2011	Jan. 29, 2011 ARS Call Option	Apr. 28, 2012 ARS Call Option	Jan. 29, 2011 ARS
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Proceeds from sale of available-for-sale securities	$ 20,119,000	$ 48,887,000			$ 177,472,000
Purchase of available-for-sale securities	3,051,000	111,199,000
Gross unrealized holding losses	0	0
Available-for-sale securities sold, carrying value					191,400,000
Realized loss on sale of investment securities					(24,426,000)
Loss on sale of available-for-sale securities previous included in OCI					10,900,000
Available-for-sale securities sold, par value					119,700,000
Expiration of right to repurchase securities and/or receive certain additional proceeds			Oct. 29, 2013
Assessed Value Of The ARS Call Option Upon Origination				400,000
Fair value of the ARS Call Option				$ 700,000

XML

Fair Value Hierarchy for Financial Assets (Cash Equivalents and Investments) Measured at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis (Detail) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Apr. 28, 2012	Jan. 28, 2012	Apr. 30, 2011	Jan. 29, 2011
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 713,443	$ 719,545	$ 474,668	$ 667,593
Short-term investments	8,587	25,499	130,513
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Cash and cash equivalents	713,443	719,545	474,668
Long-term investments	727	847	5,915
Short-term investments	8,587	25,499	130,513
Total	722,757	745,891	611,096
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Cash
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Cash and cash equivalents	625,398	548,728	251,002
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Money-market
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Cash and cash equivalents	51,915	131,785	154,548
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Treasury bills
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Cash and cash equivalents	16,131	9,034	25,288
Short-term investments	3,087	19,999	73,143
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Term-deposits
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Short-term investments			18,743
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Corporate bonds
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Short-term investments			21,232
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | ARS Call Option
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Long-term investments	727	847	415
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Commercial paper
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Cash and cash equivalents	19,999	29,998	43,830
Short-term investments			13,695
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | ARS | State and local government
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Long-term investments			5,500
Short-term investments	5,500	5,500	3,700
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Quoted Market Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1)
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Cash and cash equivalents	713,443		474,668
Short-term investments	3,087		126,813
Total	716,530		601,481
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Quoted Market Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1) | Cash
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Cash and cash equivalents	625,398		251,002
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Quoted Market Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1) | Money-market
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Cash and cash equivalents	51,915		154,548
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Quoted Market Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1) | Treasury bills
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Cash and cash equivalents	16,131		25,288
Short-term investments	3,087		73,143
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Quoted Market Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1) | Term-deposits
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Short-term investments			18,743
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Quoted Market Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1) | Corporate bonds
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Short-term investments			21,232
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Quoted Market Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1) | Commercial paper
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Cash and cash equivalents	19,999		43,830
Short-term investments			13,695
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Long-term investments	727		5,915
Short-term investments	5,500		3,700
Total	6,227		9,615
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) | ARS Call Option
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Long-term investments	727		415
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) | ARS | State and local government
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Long-term investments			5,500
Short-term investments	$ 5,500		$ 3,700

XML

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

3 Months Ended

Apr. 28, 2012

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

2. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

Principles of Consolidation

The Consolidated Financial Statements include the accounts of the Company and its wholly owned subsidiaries. All intercompany transactions and balances have been eliminated in consolidation. At April 28, 2012, the Company operated in one reportable segment.

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” and “Fiscal 2010” refer to the 52 week periods ended January 28, 2012 and January 29, 2011, respectively.

Estimates

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of our 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. For public entities, the amendments in ASU 2011-05 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 adopted ASU 2011-05 on January 29, 2012 by presenting total other comprehensive income and its components as a separate statement following the Consolidated Statements of Operations and Retained Earnings.

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 adopted ASU 2011-08 on January 29, 2012 with no impact to the 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.

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.

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.

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 on 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.

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, 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.

Other Income, Net

Other income, net consists primarily of interest income/expense, foreign currency transaction gain/loss and realized investment gains/losses.

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 other-than-temporary impairment (“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 the 13 weeks ended April 28, 2012 or April 30, 2011.

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 maturity of three months or less to be cash equivalents.

As of April 28, 2012, short-term investments include treasury bills 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.

As of April 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 OTTI losses related to credit losses, as defined by ASC 320, 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.

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 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.

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.

Refer to Note 10 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information regarding income taxes.

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 (“ASC 360”), 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, for stores that have been open for a period of time sufficient to reach maturity. Impairment losses are recorded on long-lived assets used in operations when events and circumstances indicate that the assets are impaired and the undiscounted cash flows estimated to be generated by those assets are less than their carrying amounts. When events such as these occur, the impaired assets are adjusted to their estimated fair value and an impairment loss is recorded. No long-lived asset impairment charges were recorded during the 13 weeks ended April 28, 2012 or April 30, 2011.

Refer to Note 6 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information regarding property, plant 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 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 in the 13 weeks ended April 28, 2012 or April 30, 2011.

Refer to Note 7 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information regarding intangible assets.

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. During the 13 weeks ended April 28, 2012 and April 30, 2011, the Company recorded $1.9 million and $1.1 million, respectively, of revenue related to gift card breakage.

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.

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 American Eagle, 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.

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.

Segment Information

In accordance with ASC 280, Segment Reporting (“ASC 280”), the Company has identified four operating segments (American Eagle Brand US and Canadian retail stores, aerie retail stores, 77kids 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.

Reclassification

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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Fair Value Measurements - Additional Information (Detail) (Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3))	3 Months Ended
	Apr. 28, 2012	Apr. 30, 2011
Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)
Fair Value, Measurement Inputs, Disclosure [Line Items]
Discounted cash flow model to value Level 3 investments, assumptions, recovery period minimum		2 months
Discounted cash flow model to value Level 3 investments, assumptions, recovery period maximum		14 months
Discounted cash flow model to value Level 3 investments, assumptions, recovery period	2 months
Discounted cash flow model to value Level 3 investments, assumptions, discount yield	0.10%
Discounted cash flow model to value Level 3 investments, assumptions, discount yield minimum		0.20%
Discounted cash flow model to value Level 3 investments, assumptions, discount yield maximum		2.00%
Discounted cash flow model to value Level 3 investments, assumptions, illiquidity	0.50%	0.50%

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Summary of Stock Option Activity (Detail) (USD $) In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Apr. 28, 2012 Year
Options
Outstanding - beginning	11,197
Granted	1,046
Exercised	(1,516)	[1]
Cancelled	(391)
Outstanding - Ending	10,336
Vested and expected to vest - ending	10,235
Exercisable - ending	4,973	[2]
Weighted-Average Exercise Price
Outstanding - beginning	$ 15.31
Granted	$ 14.26
Exercised	$ 8.00	[1]
Cancelled	$ 10.57
Outstanding - ending	$ 16.45
Vested and expected to vest - ending	$ 16.47
Exercisable - ending	$ 11.56	[2]
Weighted-Average Remaining Contractual Term (In years)
Outstanding - ending	2.5
Vested and expected to vest - ending	2.5
Exercisable - ending	2.1	[2]
Aggregate Intrinsic Value
Outstanding - ending	$ 40,451
Vested and expected to vest - ending	40,085
Exercisable - ending	$ 34,183	[2]

[1] Options exercised during the 13 weeks ended April 28, 2012 had exercise prices ranging from $4.54 to $13.04.

[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 April 28, 2012.

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CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Apr. 28, 2012	Jan. 28, 2012	Apr. 30, 2011
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 713,443	$ 719,545	$ 474,668
Short-term investments	8,587	25,499	130,513
Merchandise inventory	376,688	378,426	331,588
Accounts receivable	37,472	40,310	31,464
Prepaid expenses and other	75,433	74,947	84,687
Deferred income taxes	48,358	48,761	49,023
Total current assets	1,259,981	1,287,488	1,101,943
Property and equipment, at cost, net of accumulated depreciation	572,104	582,162	641,907
Intangible assets, at cost, net of accumulated amortization	39,556	39,832	40,454
Goodwill	11,544	11,469	11,710
Non-current deferred income taxes	16,579	13,467	10,030
Other assets	16,688	16,384	26,294
Total assets	1,916,452	1,950,802	1,832,338
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable	133,861	183,783	155,183
Accrued compensation and payroll taxes	21,970	42,625	14,915
Accrued rent	76,550	76,921	70,873
Accrued income and other taxes	14,333	20,135	12,242
Unredeemed gift cards and gift certificates	30,783	44,970	29,187
Current portion of deferred lease credits	14,945	15,066	15,981
Other liabilities and accrued expenses	25,779	21,901	24,566
Total current liabilities	318,221	405,401	322,947
Non-current liabilities:
Deferred lease credits	73,350	71,880	79,131
Non-current accrued income taxes	31,806	35,471	40,310
Other non-current liabilities	22,544	21,199	23,486
Total non-current liabilities	127,700	128,550	142,927
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, 249,566 and 249,566 shares issued; 195,841, 193,848 and 194,871 shares outstanding, respectively	2,496	2,496	2,496
Contributed capital	567,700	552,797	543,393
Accumulated other comprehensive income	30,532	28,659	33,573
Retained earnings	1,774,205	1,771,464	1,716,173
Treasury stock, 53,725, 55,718 and 54,695 shares, respectively	(904,402)	(938,565)	(929,171)
Total stockholders' equity	1,470,531	1,416,851	1,366,464
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity	$ 1,916,452	$ 1,950,802	$ 1,832,338

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Subsequent Event - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		12 Months Ended	3 Months Ended
	Apr. 28, 2012	Apr. 30, 2011	Jan. 28, 2012 77kids business	Jul. 28, 2012 77kids business Subsequent Event	May 18, 2012 77kids business Subsequent Event Store
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Number of operating stores					22
After-tax loss	$ 39,697,000	$ 28,325,000	$ 23,600,000
Sales	719,093,000	609,562,000	39,800,000
Discontinued business expected pre-tax asset impairment charges				$ 16,000,000

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CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Apr. 28, 2012	Apr. 30, 2011
Operating activities:
Net income	$ 39,697	$ 28,325
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash from operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization	33,323	35,534
Share-based compensation	21,299	2,506
Provision for deferred income taxes	(2,772)	8,708
Tax benefit from share-based payments	4,422	256
Excess tax benefit from share-based payments	(2,643)	(139)
Foreign currency transaction gain	(145)	(219)
Changes in assets and liabilities:
Merchandise inventory	2,345	(28,674)
Accounts receivable	2,865	5,445
Prepaid expenses and other	(347)	(30,327)
Other assets	(426)	(2,400)
Accounts payable	(46,852)	(7,301)
Unredeemed gift cards and gift certificates	(14,260)	(11,960)
Deferred lease credits	1,203	(174)
Accrued compensation and payroll taxes	(20,687)	(20,110)
Accrued income and other taxes	(9,498)	(18,749)
Accrued liabilities	5,154	90
Total adjustments	(27,019)	(67,514)
Net cash provided by (used for) operating activities	12,678	(39,189)
Investing activities:
Capital expenditures for property and equipment	(24,831)	(37,744)
Acquisition of intangible assets	(220)	(33,151)
Purchase of available-for-sale securities	(3,051)	(111,199)
Sale of available-for-sale securities	20,119	48,887
Net cash used for investing activities	(7,983)	(133,207)
Financing activities:
Payments on capital leases	(941)	(756)
Repurchase of common stock from employees	(4,100)	(2,181)
Net proceeds from stock options exercised	12,165	2,539
Excess tax benefit from share-based payments	2,643	139
Cash dividends paid	(21,524)	(21,430)
Net cash used for financing activities	(11,757)	(21,689)
Effect of exchange rates changes on cash	960	1,160
Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents	(6,102)	(192,925)
Cash and cash equivalents-beginning of period	719,545	667,593
Cash and cash equivalents-end of period	713,443	474,668
Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information:
Cash paid during the period for income taxes	34,782	50,419
Cash paid during the period for interest	$ 33	$ 0

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Earnings Per Share - Additional Information (Detail) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Apr. 28, 2012	Apr. 30, 2011
Earnings Per Share Disclosure [Line Items]
Equity awards to purchase shares of common stock that were not included in the computation of weighted average diluted common share amounts as the effect of doing so would have been anti-dilutive	7.7	7.4
Restricted Stock Units (RSUs)
Earnings Per Share Disclosure [Line Items]
Shares of restricted stock units not included in the computation of weighted average diluted common share amounts because the number of shares ultimately issued is contingent on performance	0.9	1.8

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Fair Value Measurements (Tables)

3 Months Ended

Apr. 28, 2012

Fair Value Hierarchy for Financial Assets (Cash Equivalents and Investments) Measured at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis

In accordance with ASC 820, the following table represents the Company’s fair value hierarchy for its financial assets (cash equivalents and investments) measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of April 28, 2012 and April 30, 2011:

	Fair Value Measurements at April 28, 2012
(In thousands)	Carrying Amount		Quoted Market Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1)		Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)		Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)
Cash and cash equivalents:
Cash	$	625,398	$	625,398	$	—	$	—
Money-market		51,915		51,915		—		—
Commercial paper		19,999		19,999		—		—
Treasury bills		16,131		16,131		—		—
Total cash and cash equivalents	$	713,443	$	713,443	$	—	$	—
Short-term investments:
Treasury bills	$	3,087	$	3,087	$	—	$	—
State and local government ARS		5,500		—		—		5,500
Total short-term investments	$	8,587	$	3,087	$	—	$	5,500
Long-term investments:
ARS Call Option	$	727	$	—	$	—	$	727
Total long-term investments	$	727	$	—	$	—	$	727
Total	$	722,757	$	716,530	$	—	$	6,227

	Fair Value Measurements at April 30, 2011
(In thousands)	Carrying Amount		Quoted Market Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1)		Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)		Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)
Cash and cash equivalents:
Cash	$	251,002	$	251,002	$	—	$	—
Money-market		154,548		154,548		—		—
Commercial paper		43,830		43,830		—		—
Treasury bills		25,288		25,288		—		—
Total cash and cash equivalents	$	474,668	$	474,668	$	—	$	—
Short-term investments:
Treasury bills	$	73,143	$	73,143	$	—	$	—
Corporate bonds		21,232		21,232		—		—
Term-deposits		18,743		18,743		—		—
Commercial paper		13,695		13,695		—		—
State and local government ARS		3,700		—		—		3,700
Total short-term investments	$	130,513	$	126,813	$	—	$	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	$	611,096	$	601,481	$	—	$	9,615

Reconciliation of Assets Measured at Fair Value On Recurring Basis Using Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)

The reconciliation of the Company’s assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis using unobservable inputs (Level 3) for the thirteen weeks ended April 28, 2012 is as follows.

	Level 3 (Unobservable inputs)
(In thousands)	Total			Auction-Rate Municipal Securities		ARS Call Option
Carrying value at January 28, 2012	$	6,347		$	5,500	$	847
Settlements		(120	)		—		(120	)
Balance at April 28, 2012	$	6,227		$	5,500	$	727

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Property and Equipment (Detail) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Apr. 28, 2012	Jan. 28, 2012	Apr. 30, 2011
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property and equipment, at cost	$ 1,458,090	$ 1,458,522	$ 1,458,608
Less: Accumulated depreciation	(885,986)	(876,360)	(816,701)
Property and equipment, net	$ 572,104	$ 582,162	$ 641,907

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Property and Equipment (Tables)

3 Months Ended

Apr. 28, 2012

Property and Equipment

Property and equipment consists of the following:

(In thousands)	April 28, 2012			January 28, 2012			April 30, 2011
Property and equipment, at cost	$	1,458,090		$	1,458,522		$	1,458,608
Less: Accumulated depreciation		(885,986	)		(876,360	)		(816,701	)
Property and equipment, net	$	572,104		$	582,162		$	641,907

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Interim Financial Statements

3 Months Ended

Apr. 28, 2012

Interim Financial Statements

1. Interim Financial Statements

The accompanying Consolidated Financial Statements of American Eagle Outfitters, Inc. (the “Company”) at April 28, 2012 and April 30, 2011 and for the 13 week periods ended April 28, 2012 and April 30, 2011 have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”) for interim financial information and with the instructions to Form 10-Q and Article 10 of Regulation S-X. Accordingly, they do not include all of the information and footnotes required by GAAP for complete financial statements. Certain notes and other information have been condensed or omitted from the interim Consolidated Financial Statements presented in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q. Therefore, these Consolidated Financial Statements should be read in conjunction with the Company’s Fiscal 2011 Annual Report. In the opinion of the Company’s management, all adjustments (consisting of normal recurring adjustments and those described in the footnotes that follow) considered necessary for a fair presentation have been included. The existence of subsequent events has been evaluated through the filing date of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q.

As used in this report, all references to “we,” “our” and the “Company” refer to American Eagle Outfitters, 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. “aerie” refers to our U.S. and Canadian aerie^® by American Eagle^® stores. “77kids” refers to our 77kids by american eagle^® stores. “AEO Direct” refers to our e-commerce operations, ae.com, aerie.com and 77kids.com.

The Company’s business is affected by the pattern of seasonality common to most retail apparel businesses. The results for the current and prior periods are not necessarily indicative of future financial results.

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CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Parenthetical) (USD $) In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Apr. 28, 2012	Jan. 28, 2012	Apr. 30, 2011
Preferred stock, par value	$ 0.01	$ 0.01	$ 0.01
Preferred stock, shares authorized	5,000	5,000	5,000
Preferred stock, issued	0	0	0
Preferred stock, outstanding	0	0	0
Common stock, par value	$ 0.01	$ 0.01	$ 0.01
Common stock, shares authorized	600,000	600,000	600,000
Common stock, shares issued	249,566	249,566	249,566
Common stock, shares outstanding	195,841	193,848	194,871
Treasury stock, shares	53,725	55,718	54,695

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Legal Proceedings

3 Months Ended

Apr. 28, 2012

Legal Proceedings

11. Legal Proceedings

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”), management 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 or results of operations of the Company.

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Document and Entity Information	3 Months Ended
	Apr. 28, 2012	May 21, 2012
Document Information [Line Items]
Document Type	10-Q
Amendment Flag	false
Document Period End Date	Apr. 28, 2012
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2012
Document Fiscal Period Focus	Q1
Trading Symbol	AEO
Entity Registrant Name	AMERICAN EAGLE OUTFITTERS INC
Entity Central Index Key	0000919012
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--02-02
Entity Filer Category	Large Accelerated Filer
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		195,969,496

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Subsequent Event

3 Months Ended

Apr. 28, 2012

Subsequent Event

12. Subsequent Event

On May 18, 2012, the Company announced plans to exit the 77kids business, which includes 22 stores and the online business. The Company is currently exploring options for the business, which include a full or partial disposition of assets to a third party. In fiscal 2011, the brand generated an after-tax loss of $23.6 million on sales of $39.8 million. Pre-tax asset impairment charges of approximately $16.0 million are expected in the second quarter as a result of the decision. The Company anticipates the remaining exit charges to be taken primarily in the second and third quarters, which will be disclosed when the plans are finalized.

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CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS AND RETAINED EARNINGS (USD $) In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Apr. 28, 2012	Apr. 30, 2011
Net sales	$ 719,093	$ 609,562
Cost of sales, including certain buying, occupancy and warehousing expenses	446,430	377,801
Gross profit	272,663	231,761
Selling, general and administrative expenses	182,605	158,491
Depreciation and amortization expense	32,798	34,880
Operating income	57,260	38,390
Other income, net	3,507	4,512
Income before income taxes	60,767	42,902
Provision for income taxes	21,070	14,577
Net income	39,697	28,325
Net income per basic common share	$ 0.20	$ 0.15
Net income per diluted common share	$ 0.20	$ 0.14
Cash dividends per common share	$ 0.11	$ 0.11
Weighted average common shares outstanding-basic	194,890	194,683
Weighted average common shares outstanding-diluted	197,252	196,633
Retained earnings, beginning	1,771,464	1,711,929
Net income	39,697	28,325
Cash dividends and dividend equivalents	(21,945)	(21,752)
Reissuance of treasury stock	(15,011)	(2,329)
Retained earnings, ending	$ 1,774,205	$ 1,716,173

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Property and Equipment

3 Months Ended

Apr. 28, 2012

Property and Equipment

6. Property and Equipment

Property and equipment consists of the following:

(In thousands)	April 28, 2012			January 28, 2012			April 30, 2011
Property and equipment, at cost	$	1,458,090		$	1,458,522		$	1,458,608
Less: Accumulated depreciation		(885,986	)		(876,360	)		(816,701	)
Property and equipment, net	$	572,104		$	582,162		$	641,907

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Earnings per Share

3 Months Ended

Apr. 28, 2012

Earnings per Share

5. Earnings per Share

The following is a reconciliation between basic and diluted weighted average shares outstanding:

	13 Weeks Ended
(In thousands)	April 28, 2012		April 30, 2011
Weighted average common shares outstanding:
Basic number of common shares outstanding		194,890		194,683
Dilutive effect of stock options and non-vested restricted stock		2,362		1,950
Diluted number of common shares outstanding		197,252		196,633

Equity awards to purchase approximately 7.7 million shares of common stock during the 13 weeks ended April 28, 2012 and approximately 7.4 million shares of common stock during the 13 weeks ended April 30, 2011, respectively, were outstanding, but were not included in the computation of weighted average diluted common share amounts as the effect of doing so would be anti-dilutive.

There were approximately 0.9 million shares for the 13 weeks ended April 28, 2012 and approximately 1.8 million shares for the 13 weeks ended April 30, 2011 of restricted stock units that were outstanding, but not included in the computation of weighted average diluted common share amounts as the effect of doing so would have been anti-dilutive.

Refer to Note 9 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information regarding share-based compensation.

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Earnings per Share (Tables)

3 Months Ended

Apr. 28, 2012

Reconciliation Between Basic and Diluted Weighted Average Shares Outstanding

The following is a reconciliation between basic and diluted weighted average shares outstanding:

	13 Weeks Ended
(In thousands)	April 28, 2012		April 30, 2011
Weighted average common shares outstanding:
Basic number of common shares outstanding		194,890		194,683
Dilutive effect of stock options and non-vested restricted stock		2,362		1,950
Diluted number of common shares outstanding		197,252		196,633

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Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)

3 Months Ended

Apr. 28, 2012

Principles of Consolidation

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 April 28, 2012, the Company operated in one reportable segment.

Fiscal Year

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” and “Fiscal 2010” refer to the 52 week periods ended January 28, 2012 and January 29, 2011, respectively.

Estimates

Estimates

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of our 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

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. For public entities, the amendments in ASU 2011-05 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 adopted ASU 2011-05 on January 29, 2012 by presenting total other comprehensive income and its components as a separate statement following the Consolidated Statements of Operations and Retained Earnings.

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 adopted ASU 2011-08 on January 29, 2012 with no impact to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

Foreign Currency Translation

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.

Revenue Recognition

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.

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.

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 on 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.

Cost of Sales, Including Certain Buying, Occupancy and Warehousing Expenses

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

Selling, general and administrative expenses consist of compensation and employee benefit expenses, including salaries, incentives and related benefits associated with our stores and corporate headquarters. Selling, general and administrative expenses also include advertising costs, supplies for our stores and home office, communication costs, travel and entertainment, leasing costs and services purchased. Selling, general and administrative expenses do not include compensation, employee benefit expenses and travel for our design, sourcing and importing teams, our buyers and our distribution centers as these amounts are recorded in cost of sales.

Other Income, Net

Other Income, Net

Other income, net consists primarily of interest income/expense, foreign currency transaction gain/loss and realized investment gains/losses.

Other-than-Temporary Impairment

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 other-than-temporary impairment (“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 the 13 weeks ended April 28, 2012 or April 30, 2011.

Cash and Cash Equivalents, Short-term Investments and Long-term Investments

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 maturity of three months or less to be cash equivalents.

As of April 28, 2012, short-term investments include treasury bills 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.

As of April 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 OTTI losses related to credit losses, as defined by ASC 320, 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.

Merchandise Inventory

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 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.

Income Taxes

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.

Refer to Note 10 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information regarding income taxes.

Property and Equipment

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 (“ASC 360”), 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, for stores that have been open for a period of time sufficient to reach maturity. Impairment losses are recorded on long-lived assets used in operations when events and circumstances indicate that the assets are impaired and the undiscounted cash flows estimated to be generated by those assets are less than their carrying amounts. When events such as these occur, the impaired assets are adjusted to their estimated fair value and an impairment loss is recorded. No long-lived asset impairment charges were recorded during the 13 weeks ended April 28, 2012 or April 30, 2011.

Refer to Note 6 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information regarding property, plant and equipment.

Goodwill

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 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

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 in the 13 weeks ended April 28, 2012 or April 30, 2011.

Refer to Note 7 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information regarding intangible assets.

Gift Cards

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. During the 13 weeks ended April 28, 2012 and April 30, 2011, the Company recorded $1.9 million and $1.1 million, respectively, of revenue related to gift card breakage.

Deferred Lease Credits

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.

Co-branded Credit Card and Customer Loyalty Program

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 American Eagle, 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.

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.

Segment Information

Segment Information

In accordance with ASC 280, Segment Reporting (“ASC 280”), the Company has identified four operating segments (American Eagle Brand US and Canadian retail stores, aerie retail stores, 77kids 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.

Reclassification

Reclassification

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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Share-Based Compensation

3 Months Ended

Apr. 28, 2012

Share-Based Compensation

9. Share-Based Compensation

The Company accounts for share-based compensation under the provisions of ASC 718, Compensation—Stock Compensation (“ASC 718”), which requires companies 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 the 13 weeks ended April 28, 2012 and April 30, 2011 was $21.3 million ($13.1 million, net of tax) and $2.5 million ($1.5 million net of tax), respectively.

Stock Option Grants

The Company grants both time-based and performance-based stock options under its 2005 Stock Award and Incentive 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 one year and are earned if the Company meets pre-established performance goals.

A summary of the Company’s stock option activity for the 13 weeks ended April 28, 2012 follows:

	Options			Weighted-Average Exercise Price		Weighted-Average Remaining Contractual Term		Aggregate Intrinsic Value
	(In thousands)					(In years)		(In thousands)
Outstanding—January 28, 2012		11,197		$	15.31
Granted		1,046		$	14.26
Exercised (1)		(1,516	)	$	8.00
Cancelled		(391	)	$	10.57
Outstanding—April 28, 2012		10,336		$	16.45		2.5	$	40,451
Vested and expected to vest—April 28, 2012		10,235		$	16.47		2.5	$	40,085
Exercisable—April 28, 2012 (2)		4,973		$	11.56		2.1	$	34,183

(1) Options exercised during the 13 weeks ended April 28, 2012 had exercise prices ranging from $4.54 to $13.04.

(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 April 28, 2012.

The weighted-average grant date fair value of stock options granted during the 13 weeks ended April 28, 2012 and April 30, 2011 was $3.69 and $4.73, respectively. The aggregate intrinsic value of options exercised during the 13 weeks ended April 28, 2012 and April 30, 2011 was $13.1 million and $1.2 million, respectively.

Cash received from the exercise of stock options was $12.2 million for the 13 weeks ended April 28, 2012 and $2.5 million for the 13 weeks ended April 30, 2011. The actual tax benefit realized from stock option exercises totaled $4.4 million for the 13 weeks ended April 28, 2012 and $0.3 million for the 13 weeks ended April 30, 2011.

The fair value of stock options was estimated based on the closing market price of the Company’s common stock on the date of the grant using a Black-Scholes option pricing model with the following weighted-average assumptions:

	13 Weeks Ended
Black-Scholes Option Valuation Assumptions	April 28, 2012			April 30, 2011
Risk-free interest rate (1)		0.6	%		2.1	%
Dividend yield		2.8	%		2.3	%
Volatility factor (2)		41.2	%		42.7	%
Weighted-average expected term (3)		4.0 years			5.0 years
Expected forfeiture rate (4)		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.

(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, based on historical experience.

(4) Based upon historical experience.

As of April 28, 2012, there was $3.4 million of unrecognized compensation expense related to non-vested stock option awards that is expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of 2.3 years.

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 Company’s restricted stock activity is presented in the following tables:

	Time-Based Restricted Stock Units					Performance-Based Restricted Stock Units
	13 Weeks Ended April 28, 2012					13 Weeks Ended April 28, 2012
(Shares in thousands)	Shares			Weighted-Average Grant Date Fair Value		Shares			Weighted-Average Grant Date Fair Value
Nonvested - January 28, 2012		1,784		$	15.73		1,762		$	14.23
Granted		1,472			14.69		869			14.65
Vested		(1,074	)		16.65		—			—
Cancelled		(56	)		15.02		(397	)		11.67
Nonvested - April 28, 2012		2,126		$	14.56		2,234		$	14.85

As of April 28, 2012, there was $35.5 million of unrecognized compensation expense related to non-vested time-based restricted stock unit awards that is expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of 2.3 years. Additionally, there was $18.9 million of unrecognized compensation expense related to performance-based restricted stock unit awards which will be recognized as achievement of performance goals is probable.

As of April 28, 2012, the Company had 23.2 million shares available for all equity grants.

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Intangible Assets

3 Months Ended

Apr. 28, 2012

Intangible Assets

7. Intangible Assets

Intangible assets consist of the following:

(In thousands)	April 28, 2012			January 28, 2012			April 30, 2011
Trademarks, at cost	$	44,362		$	44,142		$	43,114
Less: Accumulated amortization		(4,806	)		(4,310	)		(2,660	)
Intangible assets, net	$	39,556		$	39,832		$	40,454

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Other Credit Arrangements

3 Months Ended

Apr. 28, 2012

Other Credit Arrangements

8. Other Credit Arrangements

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, growth initiatives and the issuance of letters of credit.

The Credit Agreement contains financial covenants that require the Company to maintain certain coverage and leverage ratios, and various customary affirmative and negative covenants such as the ability to incur additional debt not otherwise permitted under the Credit Agreement.

The Credit Agreement has various borrowing options, including rates of interest that are based on (i) an Adjusted London Interbank Offered Rate (“LIBOR” as defined in the Credit Agreement) plus a margin ranging from 1.00% to 1.75% based on a defined leverage ratio, payable at the end of the applicable interest period; and (ii) a Base Rate (as defined in the Credit Agreement), plus a margin ranging from 0.00% to 0.75% based on a defined leverage ratio, payable quarterly.

Under the Credit Agreement, the Company is also required to pay a commitment fee ranging from 0.175% to 0.30%, based on the defined leverage ratio, on the unused portion of the total lender commitments.

As of April 28, 2012, the Company was in compliance with the terms of the Credit Agreement and had $7.6 million outstanding in letters of credit and no borrowings.

The Credit Agreement replaced uncommitted demand lines in the aggregate amount of $110.0 million United States dollars (“USD”) and $25.0 million Canadian dollars (“CAD”).

Additionally, the Company has borrowing agreements with two separate financial institutions under which it may borrow an aggregate of $135.0 million USD for the purposes of trade letter of credit issuances. As of April 28, 2012, the Company had outstanding trade letters of credit of $23.9 million. The availability of any future borrowings under the trade letter of credit facilities is subject to acceptance by the respective financial institutions.

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Income Taxes

3 Months Ended

Apr. 28, 2012

Income Taxes

10. Income Taxes

The provision for income taxes from continuing operations is based on the current estimate of the annual effective income tax rate and is adjusted as necessary for quarterly events. The effective income tax rate from continuing operations based on actual operating results for the 13 weeks ended April 28, 2012 was 34.7% compared to 34.0% for the 13 weeks ended April 30, 2011. The effective income tax rate for the 13 weeks ended April 28, 2012 and April 30, 2011, respectively, was lower than the statutory rate primarily due to proceeds received related to the Company’s ARS call option for which no income tax expense was recognized, as well as federal and state income tax settlements and other changes in income tax reserves.

The Company records accrued interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits in income tax expense.

The Company recognizes income tax liabilities related to unrecognized tax benefits in accordance with ASC 740 and adjusts these liabilities when its judgment changes as the result of the evaluation of new information not previously available. Unrecognized tax benefits did not change significantly during the 13 weeks ended April 28, 2012 and April 30, 2011, respectively. Over the next twelve months, the Company believes that it is reasonably possible that unrecognized tax benefits may decrease by approximately $6.6 million due to settlements, expiration of statute of limitations or other changes in unrecognized tax benefits.

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Reconciliation Between Basic and Diluted Weighted Average Shares Outstanding (Detail) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Apr. 28, 2012	Apr. 30, 2011
Weighted average common shares outstanding:
Basic number of common shares outstanding	194,890	194,683
Dilutive effect of stock options and non-vested restricted stock	2,362	1,950
Diluted number of common shares outstanding	197,252	196,633

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Cash and Cash Equivalents, Short-term Investments and Long-term Investments (Tables)

3 Months Ended

Apr. 28, 2012

Fair Market Values for Cash and Marketable Securities

The following table summarizes the fair market values for the Company’s cash and marketable securities, which are recorded on the Consolidated Balance Sheets:

(In thousands)	April 28, 2012		January 28, 2012		April 30, 2011
Cash and cash equivalents:
Cash	$	625,398	$	548,728	$	251,002
Money-market		51,915		131,785		154,548
Commercial paper		19,999		29,998		43,830
Treasury bills		16,131		9,034		25,288
Total cash and cash equivalents	$	713,443	$	719,545	$	474,668
Short-term investments:
Treasury bills	$	3,087	$	19,999	$	73,143
State and local government ARS		5,500		5,500		3,700
Corporate bonds		—		—		21,232
Term-deposits		—		—		18,743
Commercial paper		—		—		13,695
Total short-term investments	$	8,587	$	25,499	$	130,513
Long-term investments:
ARS Call Option	$	727	$	847	$	415
State and local government ARS		—		—		5,500
Total long-term investments	$	727	$	847	$	5,915
Total	$	722,757	$	745,891	$	611,096

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Share-Based Compensation (Tables)

3 Months Ended

Apr. 28, 2012

Summary of Stock Option Activity

A summary of the Company’s stock option activity for the 13 weeks ended April 28, 2012 follows:

	Options			Weighted-Average Exercise Price		Weighted-Average Remaining Contractual Term		Aggregate Intrinsic Value
	(In thousands)					(In years)		(In thousands)
Outstanding—January 28, 2012		11,197		$	15.31
Granted		1,046		$	14.26
Exercised (1)		(1,516	)	$	8.00
Cancelled		(391	)	$	10.57
Outstanding—April 28, 2012		10,336		$	16.45		2.5	$	40,451
Vested and expected to vest—April 28, 2012		10,235		$	16.47		2.5	$	40,085
Exercisable—April 28, 2012 (2)		4,973		$	11.56		2.1	$	34,183

(1) Options exercised during the 13 weeks ended April 28, 2012 had exercise prices ranging from $4.54 to $13.04.

(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 April 28, 2012.

Black-Scholes Option Valuation Assumptions

The fair value of stock options was estimated based on the closing market price of the Company’s common stock on the date of the grant using a Black-Scholes option pricing model with the following weighted-average assumptions:

	13 Weeks Ended
Black-Scholes Option Valuation Assumptions	April 28, 2012			April 30, 2011
Risk-free interest rate (1)		0.6	%		2.1	%
Dividend yield		2.8	%		2.3	%
Volatility factor (2)		41.2	%		42.7	%
Weighted-average expected term (3)		4.0 years			5.0 years
Expected forfeiture rate (4)		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.

(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, based on historical experience.

(4) Based upon historical experience.

Summary of Restricted Stock Activity

A summary of the Company’s restricted stock activity is presented in the following tables:

	Time-Based Restricted Stock Units					Performance-Based Restricted Stock Units
	13 Weeks Ended April 28, 2012					13 Weeks Ended April 28, 2012
(Shares in thousands)	Shares			Weighted-Average Grant Date Fair Value		Shares			Weighted-Average Grant Date Fair Value
Nonvested - January 28, 2012		1,784		$	15.73		1,762		$	14.23
Granted		1,472			14.69		869			14.65
Vested		(1,074	)		16.65		—			—
Cancelled		(56	)		15.02		(397	)		11.67
Nonvested - April 28, 2012		2,126		$	14.56		2,234		$	14.85

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Summary of Stock Option Activity (Parenthetical) (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
	Apr. 28, 2012
Schedule of Share based Compensation Arrangements by Share based Payment Award, Performance Options [Line Items]
Options exercised, exercise price range, lower limit	$ 5.54
Options exercised, exercise price range, upper limit	$ 13.04

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CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Apr. 28, 2012	Apr. 30, 2011
Net income	$ 39,697	$ 28,325
Other comprehensive income:
Foreign currency translation gain	1,873	5,501
Other comprehensive income	1,873	5,501
Comprehensive income	$ 41,570	$ 33,826

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Fair Value Measurements

3 Months Ended

Apr. 28, 2012

Fair Value Measurements

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 a 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 April 28, 2012 and April 30, 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 table represents the Company’s fair value hierarchy for its financial assets (cash equivalents and investments) measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of April 28, 2012 and April 30, 2011:

	Fair Value Measurements at April 28, 2012
(In thousands)	Carrying Amount		Quoted Market Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1)		Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)		Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)
Cash and cash equivalents:
Cash	$	625,398	$	625,398	$	—	$	—
Money-market		51,915		51,915		—		—
Commercial paper		19,999		19,999		—		—
Treasury bills		16,131		16,131		—		—
Total cash and cash equivalents	$	713,443	$	713,443	$	—	$	—
Short-term investments:
Treasury bills	$	3,087	$	3,087	$	—	$	—
State and local government ARS		5,500		—		—		5,500
Total short-term investments	$	8,587	$	3,087	$	—	$	5,500
Long-term investments:
ARS Call Option	$	727	$	—	$	—	$	727
Total long-term investments	$	727	$	—	$	—	$	727
Total	$	722,757	$	716,530	$	—	$	6,227

	Fair Value Measurements at April 30, 2011
(In thousands)	Carrying Amount		Quoted Market Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1)		Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)		Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)
Cash and cash equivalents:
Cash	$	251,002	$	251,002	$	—	$	—
Money-market		154,548		154,548		—		—
Commercial paper		43,830		43,830		—		—
Treasury bills		25,288		25,288		—		—
Total cash and cash equivalents	$	474,668	$	474,668	$	—	$	—
Short-term investments:
Treasury bills	$	73,143	$	73,143	$	—	$	—
Corporate bonds		21,232		21,232		—		—
Term-deposits		18,743		18,743		—		—
Commercial paper		13,695		13,695		—		—
State and local government ARS		3,700		—		—		3,700
Total short-term investments	$	130,513	$	126,813	$	—	$	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	$	611,096	$	601,481	$	—	$	9,615

The Company uses a discounted cash flow model to value its Level 3 investments. At April 28, 2012, the assumptions in the Company’s model for Level 3 investments, excluding the ARS Call Option, included a recovery period of two months, a discount factor for yield of 0.1% and illiquidity of 0.5%. At April 30, 2011, the assumptions in the Company’s model included different recovery periods, ranging from two months to 14 months, varying discount factors for yield, ranging from 0.2% to 2.0%, and illiquidity of 0.5%. These assumptions are subjective. They are based on the Company’s current judgment and its view of current market conditions. The use of different reasonable assumptions would not result in a material change to the valuation.

As a result of the discounted cash flow analysis, no impairment loss was recorded for the 13 weeks ended April 28, 2012 or April 30, 2011.

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. Changes in the fair value of the ARS Call Option are recorded within the Consolidated Statements of Operations and Retained Earnings.

The reconciliation of the Company’s assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis using unobservable inputs (Level 3) for the thirteen weeks ended April 28, 2012 is as follows.

	Level 3 (Unobservable inputs)
(In thousands)	Total			Auction-Rate Municipal Securities		ARS Call Option
Carrying value at January 28, 2012	$	6,347		$	5,500	$	847
Settlements		(120	)		—		(120	)
Balance at April 28, 2012	$	6,227		$	5,500	$	727

There were no changes in the value of the Company’s Level 3 assets from January 29, 2011 to April 30, 2011.

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. During the 13 weeks ended April 28, 2012, there were no triggering events that prompted an asset impairment test of the Company’s non-financial assets.

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Summary of Significant Accounting Policies - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
	Apr. 28, 2012 Year Segment	Apr. 30, 2011
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Number of operating segments	1
Net impairment loss recognized in earnings	$ 0	$ 0
Asset impairment charges	0	0
Finite intangibles, useful life, minimum (in years)	15
Finite intangibles, useful life, maximum (in years)	25
Finite-lived impairment charges	0	0
Revenue related to gift card breakage	$ 1,900,000	$ 1,100,000

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Other Credit Arrangements - Additional Information (Detail) In Millions, unless otherwise specified		1 Months Ended		1 Months Ended
	Apr. 28, 2012 Entity	Mar. 02, 2012 Unsecured Revolving Credit Facility USD ($)	Apr. 28, 2012 Unsecured Revolving Credit Facility USD ($)	Mar. 02, 2012 Unsecured Revolving Credit Facility Base Rate plus Minimum	Mar. 02, 2012 Unsecured Revolving Credit Facility Base Rate plus Maximum	Mar. 02, 2012 Unsecured Revolving Credit Facility Eurodollar Rates Minimum	Mar. 02, 2012 Unsecured Revolving Credit Facility Eurodollar Rates Maximum	Apr. 28, 2012 Currency, U.S. Dollar Demand letter of credit facilities USD ($)	Mar. 02, 2012 Currency, U.S. Dollar Demand letter of credit facilities USD ($)	Mar. 02, 2012 Currency, Canadian Dollar Demand line borrowings CAD
Debt Disclosure [Line Items]
Unsecured revolving credit facility, expiration period		5 years
Borrowing agreements with financial institutions		$ 150.0						$ 135.0	$ 110.0	25.0
Credit facility interest rate description		The Credit Agreement has various borrowing options, including rates of interest that are based on (i) an Adjusted London Interbank Offered Rate ("LIBOR" as defined in the Credit Agreement) plus a margin ranging from 1.00% to 1.75% based on a defined leverage ratio, payable at the end of the applicable interest period; and (ii) a Base Rate (as defined in the Credit Agreement), plus a margin ranging from 0.00% to 0.75% based on a defined leverage ratio, payable quarterly.
Frequency of payments for interest on borrowing		Quarterly
Interest rate margin				1.00%	1.75%	0.00%	0.75%
Commitment fee payable on the unused portion of total lender commitments				0.175%	0.30%
Outstanding borrowings			7.6					23.9
Borrowings			$ 0
Borrowing agreements, number of financial institutions	2

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Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Tables)

3 Months Ended

Apr. 28, 2012

Useful Lives of Major Classes of Assets

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