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Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)

6 Months Ended

Aug. 04, 2018

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 August 4, 2018, the Company operated in one reportable segment.

Fiscal Year

The Company’s financial year is a 52 or 53-week year that ends on the Saturday nearest to January 31. As used herein, “Fiscal 2018” refers to the 52-week period ending February 2, 2019. “Fiscal 2017” refers to the 53-week period ended February 3, 2018.

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 the Company’s estimates based on currently available information. Changes in facts and circumstances may result in revised estimates.

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

In February 2016, the Financial Accounting Standard Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) No. 2016-02, Leases (“ASU 2016–02”) which replaces the existing guidance in Accounting Standard Certification (“ASC”) 840, Leases. The new standard establishes a right-of-use (“ROU”) model that requires a lessee to record a ROU asset and a lease liability on the balance sheet for all leases with terms longer than 12 months. Leases will be classified as either financing or operating, with classification affecting the pattern of expense recognition in the Statement of Operations. The guidance is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018, including interim periods within those fiscal years. The guidance in ASU 2016-02 permits a Company to adopt using the modified retrospective approach for all leases existing as of the effective date and provides for certain practical expedients that the Company plans to elect. The Company will adopt the new standard in Fiscal 2019 and expects that it will result in a significant increase to its long-term assets and liabilities on the Consolidated Balance Sheets as the Company has a significant number of leases. As of August 4, 2018, the Company had undiscounted future minimum lease commitments under non-cancellable operating leases totaling $1.6 billion. The Company has formed an implementation team, is substantially complete in identifying its lease population and has begun to input the required information into its existing software used to manage its leases in accordance with this new accounting standard.

In February 2018, the FASB issued ASU 2018-02, Reclassification of Certain Tax Effects From Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (“ASU 2018-02”). The new guidance permits companies to reclassify the stranded tax effects of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (the “Tax Act”) on items within accumulated other comprehensive income to retained earnings. This guidance is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018, including interim periods within those fiscal years. The Company will adopt ASU 2018-02 in Fiscal 2019 and does not expect a material impact from the adoption of this guidance to its Consolidated Financial Statements.

Foreign Currency Translation

In accordance with ASC 830, Foreign Currency Matters, assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies were translated into United States dollars (“USD”) (the reporting currency) at the exchange rates prevailing at the balance sheet date. Revenues and expenses denominated in foreign currencies were translated into USD at the monthly average exchange rates 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

In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU No. 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (“ASU 2014-09”). ASU 2014-09 is a comprehensive new revenue recognition model that expands disclosure requirements and requires a company to recognize revenue to depict the transfer of goods or services to a customer at an amount that reflects the consideration it expects to receive in exchange for those goods or services. ASU 2014-09 is effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017.

The Company adopted ASU 2014-09 on February 4, 2018 using the modified retrospective method applied to all contracts as of February 4, 2018. Results for reporting periods beginning on or after February 4, 2018 are presented under ASU 2014-09, while prior period amounts are not adjusted and continue to be reported in accordance with our historic accounting. The Company recorded a net increase to opening retained earnings of $0.2 million as of February 4, 2018 due to the cumulative impact of adoption. The impact was the result of accounting for customer loyalty programs using a relative stand-alone selling price method vs. incremental cost method. The Company defers a portion of the sales revenue attributed to the loyalty points and recognizes revenue when the points are redeemed or expire, consistent with the requirements of ASU 2014-09. Refer to the Customer Loyalty Program caption below for additional information.

Additionally, ASU 2014-09 changes the balance sheet presentation of the Company’s sales return reserve. Presentation on a gross basis is now required, consisting of a separate right of return asset and liability. These amounts are recorded within (i) Prepaid Expenses and Other and (ii) Other Liabilities and Accrued Expenses, respectively, on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. Historically, the Company presented the net sales return liability within Other Liabilities and Accrued Expenses on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. Refer to the Sales Return Reserve caption below for additional information.

Revenue is recorded for store sales upon the purchase of merchandise by customers. The Company’s e-commerce operation records revenue upon the customer receipt date of the merchandise. Shipping and handling revenues are included in total net revenue. Sales tax collected from customers is excluded from revenue and is included as part of accrued income and other taxes on the Company’s Consolidated Balance Sheets.

Revenue is recorded net of estimated and actual sales returns and promotional price reductions. The Company records the impact of adjustments to its sales return reserve quarterly within total net revenue and cost of sales. The sales return reserve reflects an estimate of sales returns based on projected merchandise returns determined through the use of historical average return percentages.

Revenue is not recorded on the issuance of gift cards. A current liability is recorded upon issuance, and revenue is recognized when the gift card is redeemed for merchandise. Additionally, the Company recognizes revenue on unredeemed gift cards based on an estimate of the amounts that will not be redeemed (“gift card breakage”), determined through historical redemption trends. Gift card breakage revenue is recognized in proportion to actual gift card redemptions as a component of total net revenue. For further information on the Company’s gift card program, refer to the Gift Cards caption below.

The Company recognizes royalty revenue generated from its license or franchise agreements based on a percentage of merchandise sales by the licensee/franchisee. This revenue is recorded as a component of total net revenue when earned.

The following table sets forth the approximate consolidated percentage of Total Net Revenue attributable to each merchandise group for each of the periods indicated:

	13 Weeks Ended
	August 4,			July 29,
	2018			2017
Men’s apparel and accessories		30	%		32	%
Women’s apparel and accessories (excluding Aerie)		54	%		55	%
Aerie		16	%		13	%
Total		100	%		100	%

The following table disaggregates the Company’s Total Net Revenue by geography:

	13 Weeks Ended
(In thousands)	August 4, 2018		July 29, 2017
Total Net Revenue:
United States	$	835,692	$	730,284
Foreign ⁽¹⁾		129,161		114,273
Total Net Revenue	$	964,853	$	844,557

(1)	Amounts represent sales from American Eagle and Aerie international retail stores, and e-commerce sales that are billed to and/or shipped to foreign countries and international franchise royalty revenue.

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

Cost of sales consists of merchandise costs, including design, sourcing, importing and inbound freight costs, as well as markdowns, shrinkage and certain promotional costs (collectively “merchandise costs”) and buying, occupancy and warehousing costs.

Design costs are related to the Company's Design Center operations and include compensation, travel and entertainment, supplies and samples for our design teams, as well as rent and depreciation for our Design Center. These costs are included in cost of sales as the respective inventory is sold.

Buying, occupancy and warehousing costs consist of compensation, employee benefit expenses and travel and entertainment for our buyers and certain senior merchandising executives; rent and utilities related to our stores, corporate headquarters, distribution centers and other office space; freight from our distribution centers to the stores; compensation and supplies for our distribution centers, including purchasing, receiving and inspection costs; and shipping and handling costs related to our e-commerce operation. Gross profit is the difference between total net revenue and cost of sales.

Selling, General and Administrative Expenses

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

Other Income (Expense), Net

Other income, net consists primarily of allowances for uncollectible receivables, foreign currency transaction gain/loss and interest income/expense.

Cash and Cash Equivalents and Short-term Investments

The Company considers all highly liquid investments purchased with a maturity of three months or less to be cash equivalents.

As of August 4, 2018, short-term investments include certificates of deposit with a maturity of greater than three months, but less than one year.

As of July 29, 2017, the Company held no short or long-term investments.

Refer to Note 3 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for information regarding cash and cash equivalents and short-term investments.

Merchandise Inventory

Merchandise inventory is valued at the lower of average cost or net realizable value, utilizing the retail method. Average cost includes merchandise design and sourcing costs and related expenses. The Company records merchandise receipts when control of the merchandise has transferred 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 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 requires management to make estimates and assumptions. The Company believes that its estimates and assumptions 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, including costs to prepare the asset for use, with depreciation computed utilizing the straight-line method over the asset’s estimated useful life. 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

Information technology

5 years

3-5 years

As of August 4, 2018, the weighted average remaining useful life of our assets is approximately 8 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 or 26 weeks ended August 4, 2018 or July 29, 2017.

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

Goodwill

The Company’s goodwill is primarily related to the acquisition of its importing operations, Canada business and Tailgate and Todd Snyder brands. 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 February 3, 2018. 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 consists primarily of trademark assets, are generally amortized over 15 to 25 years.

The Company evaluates intangible assets for impairment in accordance with ASC 350 when events or circumstances indicate that the carrying value of the asset may not be recoverable. Such an evaluation includes the estimation of undiscounted future cash flows to be generated by those assets. If the sum of the estimated future undiscounted cash flows is less than the carrying amounts of the assets, then the assets are impaired and are adjusted to their estimated fair value. No intangible asset impairment charges were recorded during the 13 or 26 weeks ended August 4, 2018 or July 29, 2017.

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

Gift Cards

Revenue is not recorded on the issuance of gift cards. The value of a gift card is recorded as a current liability upon issuance, and revenue is recognized when the gift card is redeemed for merchandise. The Company estimates gift card breakage and recognizes revenue in proportion to actual gift card redemptions as a component of total net revenue. The adoption of ASU 2014-09 did not have an impact of the Company’s accounting for gift card breakage.

The Company determines an estimated gift card breakage rate by continuously evaluating historical redemption data and the time when there is a remote likelihood that a gift card will be redeemed. The Company recorded $2.1 million and $2.0 million of revenue related to gift card breakage during the 13 weeks ended August 4, 2018 and July 29, 2017, respectively. During the 26 weeks ended August 4, 2018 and July 29, 2017, the Company recorded $4.6 million and $4.5 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). The receivable is reduced as amounts are received from the landlord.

Co-branded Credit Card

The Company offers a co-branded credit card (the “AEO Visa Card”) and a private label credit card (the “AEO Credit Card”) under the AEO and Aerie brands. These credit cards are issued by a third-party bank (the “Bank”) in accordance with a credit card agreement (the “Agreement”). The Company has no liability to the Bank for bad debt expense, provided that purchases are made in accordance with the Bank’s procedures. We receive funding from the Bank based on the Agreement and card activity, which includes payments for new account activations and usage of the credit cards. We recognize revenue for this funding when the amounts are fixed or determinable and collectability is reasonably assured. This revenue is recorded in other revenue, which is a component of total net revenue in our Consolidated Statements of Operations and Retained Earnings. The adoption of ASU 2014-09 did not have an impact of the Company’s accounting for the co-branded credit card.

For further information on the Company’s loyalty program, refer to the Customer Loyalty Program caption below.

Customer Loyalty Program

The Company recently launched a new, digitized loyalty program called AEO Connected^TM (the “Program”). This Program integrates the credit card rewards program and the AEREWARDSÒ loyalty program into one combined customer offering. Under the Program, customers accumulate points based on purchase activity and earn rewards by reaching certain point thresholds and, when reached, rewards are distributed. Customers earn rewards in the form of discount savings certificates. Rewards earned are valid through the stated expiration date, which is approximately 45 days from the issuance date of the reward. Additional rewards are also given for key items such as jeans and bras. Rewards not redeemed during the 45-day redemption period are forfeited.

Points earned under the Program on purchases at AE and Aerie are accounted for in accordance with ASU 2014-09. 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, using the relative stand-alone selling price method. Additionally, reward points earned using the co-branded credit card on non-AEO or Aerie purchases are accounted for in accordance with ASU 2014-09. 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 recorded a net increase to opening retained earnings of $0.2 million as of February 4, 2018 due to the cumulative impact of adoption.

Sales Return Reserve

Revenue is recorded net of estimated and actual sales returns and deductions for coupon redemptions and other promotions. The Company records the impact of adjustments to its sales return reserve quarterly within total net revenue and cost of sales. The Sales Return Reserve reflects an estimate of sales returns based on projected merchandise returns determined through the use of historical average return percentages.

As of August 4, 2018, the Company recorded a Right of Return Asset of $5.4 million within Prepaid Expenses and Other on the Consolidated Balance Sheet, offset by a Sales Return Reserve Liability of $12.3 million within Other Liabilities and Accrued Expenses on the Consolidated Balance Sheet. The Sales Return Reserve Liability was $4.9 million, recorded within Other Liabilities and Accrued Expenses, at July 29, 2017.

Segment Information

In accordance with ASC 280, Segment Reporting (“ASC 280”), the Company has identified two operating segments (American Eagle Brand and Aerie Brand) that reflect the basis used internally to review performance and allocate resources. All operating segments have been aggregated and are presented as one reportable segment, as permitted by ASC 280.

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.

•	Level 2 — Inputs other than Level 1 that are observable, either directly or indirectly.

•	Level 3 — Unobservable inputs that are supported by little or no market activity and that are significant to the fair value of the assets or liabilities.

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. The Company adopted ASU 2016-09, Compensation—Stock Compensation (“ASU 2016-09”) prospectively at the beginning of Fiscal 2017 and now records excess tax benefits and deficiencies as a discrete adjustment to income tax expense when stock awards vest or are exercised, rather than in contributed capital where they have been historically recorded. ASU 2016-09 also requires cash flows related to excess tax benefits from share-based compensation to be presented in operating activities, rather than separately as a financing activity, in the Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows.

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”), the Company records a reserve for estimated losses when the loss is probable and the amount can be reasonably estimated. If a range of possible loss exists and no anticipated loss within the range is more likely than any other anticipated loss, the Company records the accrual at the low end of the range, in accordance with ASC 450. As the Company believes that it has provided adequate reserves, it anticipates that the ultimate outcome of any matter currently pending against the Company will not materially affect the consolidated financial position, results of operations or consolidated cash flows of the Company. However, our assessment of any litigation or other legal claims could potentially change in light of the discovery of facts not presently known or determinations by judges, juries, or other finders of fact which are not in accord with management’s evaluation of the possible liability or outcome of such litigation or claims.