Why American Eagle Outfitters’ Stock Is Up Today?
June 03, 2020 by InvestorDestination Team
American Eagle Outfitters' (NYSE: AEO) first-quarter revenue declined 38% YOY, and it generated a loss of 1.54 per share compared to last year's diluted EPS of 0.24. The company experienced a loss for the first time since 1997. However, investors cheered its results as they overlooked its ugly quarterly results by focusing on its future. Its stock shot up almost 15%.
Despite closing all the stores for seven weeks, its Aerie brand performed very well. Last quarter, Aeries' revenue declined only 2%, and total demand increased by 12% in the quarter. It is a clear indication of the company's digital strength and Aerie's brand equity.
Now, the company has reopened approximately 50% of its stores. Its reopened stores are performing extremely well and exceeded its expectations. On average, reopened stores are achieving 95% of last year's sales productivity. It benefited from the pent up demand and market share gain due to a few retail bankruptcies.
Its online demand is robust and accelerated with store closures. Aerie's digital demand is up more than 100% on a quarter-to-date basis, and AE's has increased by approximately 50% compared to last year.
Like many retailers, it has put a brake on store expansion and switched to survival mode. It has suspended dividends and share repurchases. While it is slashing its capital expenditure by almost 50%, it is accelerating its digital transformation. It is improving its supply chain efficiency.
During the pandemic, it managed its inventory effectively, which will help the company improve its margins.
During these unprecedented times, liquidity is essential. The company has raised cash through debt and improved its liquidity. It has almost 900M in cash, and it will be able to navigate through these tough times. It has a relatively strong balance sheet.
The retail industry has been undergoing digital transformation and has weeded out some of the weak players. The pandemic is accelerating that transformation. This disruption will further eliminate the weak players and strengthen the winners. AEO will be one of the winners.
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