Big-box chain is harnessing design teams to offer more stylish clothing, and is only 'scratching the surface' on fashion offerings, UBS analysts say. ...

Core Insights - American Eagle Outfitters reported disappointing quarterly earnings, reflecting a $75 million write-down in spring and summer merchandise, leading to the withdrawal of its full-year guidance due to macroeconomic uncertainty [1][6]. Financial Performance - The company experienced an operating loss of $85.18 million for the three-month period ending May 3, compared to a net income of $77.84 million a year earlier [4]. - Revenue decreased to $1.09 billion, consistent with expectations but down from $1.14 billion a year prior, with comparable sales down 3% [5][10]. - Loss per share was reported at 29 cents adjusted, compared to an expected loss of 22 cents [10]. Management Commentary - CEO Jay Schottenstein acknowledged the challenging first quarter and expressed disappointment with the results, emphasizing actions to improve performance in upcoming quarters [2][6]. - The company is working to align inventory with sales trends and is actively evaluating forward plans to strengthen product performance [7]. Future Guidance - AEO issued a downbeat outlook for the second quarter, expecting revenue to decline by 5% and comparable sales to decrease by 3% [6]. - The company anticipates operating income for the second quarter to be between $40 million and $45 million [6]. Industry Context - AEO is not alone in withdrawing or modifying financial guidance, as other retailers like E.l.f. Beauty and Canada Goose have also adjusted their forecasts due to trade uncertainties [8]. - The company sources nearly 20% of its products from China and aims to reduce this to below 10% by the end of the fiscal year, with potential tariff impacts of $5 million to $10 million [9][11].