American Eagle Raises Q4 Operating Income to $167M to $170M
Written by Emily J. Thompson, Senior Investment Analyst
Updated: Jan 12 2026
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American Eagle 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.
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Analyst Views on AEO
Wall Street analysts forecast AEO stock price to rise over the next 12 months. According to Wall Street analysts, the average 1-year price target for AEO is 23.90 USD with a low forecast of 18.00 USD and a high forecast of 35.00 USD. However, analyst price targets are subjective and often lag stock prices, so investors should focus on the objective reasons behind analyst rating changes, which better reflect the company's fundamentals.
11 Analyst Rating
1 Buy
8 Hold
2 Sell
Hold
Current: 23.130
Low
18.00
Averages
23.90
High
35.00
Current: 23.130
Low
18.00
Averages
23.90
High
35.00
About AEO
American Eagle Outfitters, Inc. is a global specialty retailer. The Company offers clothing, accessories and personal care products under its American Eagle and Aerie brands. The Company operates through two segments: American Eagle and Aerie. American Eagle is an American jeans and apparel brand. Aerie is a lifestyle brand offering intimates, apparel, activewear, and swim collections. OFFLINE by Aerie offers a complete collection of activewear and accessories. The Company sells its products directly to consumers through its retail channel, which includes its stores and concession-based shops-within-shops. It operates stores in the United States, Canada, Mexico, and Hong Kong. The Company has license agreements with third parties to operate American Eagle and Aerie stores and online marketplace businesses throughout Asia, including India, Europe, Latin America, and the Middle East. The Company also operates Todd Snyder New York (Todd Snyder), a premium menswear brand.
About the author
Emily J. Thompson
Emily J. Thompson, a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) with 12 years in investment research, graduated with honors from the Wharton School. Specializing in industrial and technology stocks, she provides in-depth analysis for Intellectia’s earnings and market brief reports.
American Eagle Outfitters Officer Plans to Sell $6.32 Million in Common Stock via Form 144
Stock Sale Announcement: Officer Schottenstein of American Eagle Outfitters plans to sell 250,000 shares of the company's common stock.
Market Value: The total market value of the shares being sold is approximately $6.32 million.
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