American Eagle Outfitters Inc posted a higher quarterly profit on Wednesday but said it sees sales in stores open at least a year flat at best in the first quarter.

Earnings from continuing operations in the company's holiday fourth quarter were $87 million or 44 cents per share, up from $79.6 million or 38 cents per share a year earlier.

Sales fell 4 percent to $916 million.

American Eagle said it expects same-store sales in the range of flat to down 3 percent in the first quarter.

Shares were roughly flat at $14.85 during premarket trading.

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