American Eagle reports record holiday sales

American Eagle (AEO) announced that fourth quarter-to-date comparable sales, through Saturday, January 3 are up in the high single digits. Sales trends are positive across brands and channels with American Eagle comp growth in the low single digits and Aerie comps in the low twenties. Following a record holiday season, the company is raising its fourth quarter operating income to a range of $167M to $170M, up from the previous guidance of $155M to $160M. The increase largely reflects solid margin performance and anticipates consolidated comparable sales up in the range of 8% to 9%. Fourth quarter operating income guidance also includes approximately $50M of pressure from tariffs, as previously disclosed.