Advance Auto Parts, Inc. (AAP) vs Carter's Inc. (CRI)

A side-by-side comparison of Advance Auto Parts, Inc. and Carter's Inc. across valuation, profitability, dividends, and growth — built entirely from reported fundamentals, as of July 29, 2026. Differences are shown without an overall score or investment verdict.

Compare

Total returnAAP vs CRI

growth of $100 · dividends reinvested · last 23y
AAP +186.9%CRI +333.2%CRI compounded faster
2004006008001kStart $10020072011201520192023$287$433
AAP CRI

AAP vs CRI: by the numbers

  • AAP is the larger company ($3.53B vs $1.42B market cap).
  • CRI trades at the lower trailing earnings multiple (15.56 vs 81.30 P/E), one valuation lens rather than an overall verdict.
  • CRI converts more revenue to profit (3.07% vs 0.51% net margin).
  • CRI grew revenue faster over the past five years (-1.35% vs -4.27% CAGR).
  • CRI pays the higher dividend yield (2.53% vs 1.70%).

Metrics side by side

Valuation

MetricAAPCRI
P/E ratio81.3015.56
Forward P/E32.3211.92
P/S ratio0.410.47
P/B ratio1.621.51
EV / EBITDA11.0310.75
FCF yieldN/A9.08%

Profitability

MetricAAPCRI
Gross margin44.04%44.66%
Operating margin3.16%4.80%
Net margin0.51%3.07%
ROE1.99%9.76%
ROIC-1.57%5.29%

Dividends

MetricAAPCRI
Dividend yield1.70%2.53%
Payout ratio136.99%38.61%

Growth (annualized)

MetricAAPCRI
Revenue CAGR (5Y)-4.27%-1.35%
EPS CAGR (5Y)-36.67%-24.12%
FCF CAGR (5Y)-16.51%-24.78%
Total return CAGR (5Y)-20.80%-13.32%

Frequently asked

Which has the lower trailing P/E, AAP or CRI?
CRI has the lower trailing P/E: AAP trades at 81.30 and CRI at 15.56. P/E is one valuation measure and does not by itself establish which business is cheaper.
Which has grown faster, AAP or CRI?
Over the past five years, CRI grew revenue faster — AAP at a -4.27% CAGR versus CRI at -1.35%.
Does AAP or CRI pay a bigger dividend?
AAP yields 1.70% and CRI yields 2.53% based on trailing dividends and the latest price.
Is AAP or CRI more profitable?
CRI runs the higher net margin — AAP at 0.51% versus CRI at 3.07%.
How have AAP and CRI total returns compared?
Over the past 10 years, AAP delivered -8.86% and CRI delivered -6.59% annualized total return. Past performance doesn't predict future results.

Figures are sourced from reported fundamentals and the latest end-of-day price. This comparison is informational only and is not investment advice. Past performance does not predict future results. See our methodology. Compiled by TGMCharts Research · data verified July 29, 2026.