Brian Sozzi: Be Prepared to React to American Eagle's 1Q Guidance

According to a report published this morning by NBG Productions' Brian Sozzi, American Eagle Outfitters AEO guidance is sure to cause a reaction today. In the report, Sozzi said, " American Eagle Outfitters (AEO) issued a “wow, really” 1Q12 guide up this morning (as noted throughout the quarter, promotions were stable, key categories were focused on, and the assortment quite frankly popped), despite selling apparel to 20% plus of the teen population being minus a job and parents loving (along with their teens) fast-fashion retailers in view of the strong value equation (and still elevated average unit retail prices). What makes the American Eagle Outfitters news even more interesting is that a 17% same-store sales result was recorded while it pulled back on promotions; that is as ideal as a retailer could get, and triggers temporary mental flashbacks to holding client calls on same-store sales day back in 2006/2007." American Eagle closed yesterday at $17.89.