American Eagle Outfitters, Inc. (AEO) vs Bath & Body Works, Inc. (BBWI)

A side-by-side comparison of American Eagle Outfitters, Inc. and Bath & Body Works, Inc. across valuation, profitability, dividends, and growth — built entirely from reported fundamentals, as of October 2, 2026. Differences are shown without an overall score or investment verdict.

Compare

Total return — AEO vs BBWI

growth of $100 · dividends reinvested · last 10y
AEO +32.3% (+2.8%/yr)BBWI -60.0% (-8.8%/yr)AEO compounded faster over this window
50100150200250Start $10020182020202220242026$132$40
AEO BBWI

AEO vs BBWI: by the numbers

  • •BBWI is the larger company ($3.26B vs $2.97B market cap).
  • •BBWI trades at the lower trailing earnings multiple (4.31 vs 9.03 P/E), one valuation lens rather than an overall verdict.
  • •BBWI converts more revenue to profit (10.83% vs 5.91% net margin).
  • •AEO grew revenue faster over the past five years (4.59% vs -5.75% CAGR).
  • •BBWI pays the higher dividend yield (4.95% vs 2.78%).

Metrics side by side

Valuation

MetricAEOBBWI
P/E ratio9.034.31
Forward P/E8.125.96
P/S ratio0.520.45
P/B ratio1.68N/A
EV / EBITDA6.394.96
FCF yieldN/A31.67%

Profitability

MetricAEOBBWI
Gross margin37.23%44.12%
Operating margin9.34%16.74%
Net margin5.91%10.83%
ROE19.10%N/A
ROIC11.65%24.92%

Dividends

MetricAEOBBWI
Dividend yield2.78%4.95%
Payout ratio25.51%21.33%

Growth (annualized)

MetricAEOBBWI
Revenue CAGR (5Y)4.59%-5.75%
EPS CAGR (5Y)N/A-11.29%
FCF CAGR (5Y)N/A-12.79%
Total return CAGR (5Y)-4.53%-21.90%

Frequently asked

Which has the lower trailing P/E, AEO or BBWI?
BBWI has the lower trailing P/E: AEO trades at 9.03 and BBWI at 4.31. P/E is one valuation measure and does not by itself establish which business is cheaper.
Which has grown faster, AEO or BBWI?
Over the past five years, AEO grew revenue faster — AEO at a 4.59% CAGR versus BBWI at -5.75%.
Does AEO or BBWI pay a bigger dividend?
AEO yields 2.78% and BBWI yields 4.95% based on trailing dividends and the latest price.
Is AEO or BBWI more profitable?
BBWI runs the higher net margin — AEO at 5.91% versus BBWI at 10.83%.
How have AEO and BBWI total returns compared?
Over the past 10 years, AEO delivered 2.85% and BBWI delivered -8.78% 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 October 2, 2026.