American Eagle Outfitters, Inc. (AEO) vs The Buckle, Inc. (BKE)

BKE leads on 12 of 15 compared metrics.

A side-by-side comparison of American Eagle Outfitters, Inc. and The Buckle, Inc. across valuation, profitability, dividends, and growth — built entirely from reported fundamentals, as of June 27, 2026. The ● marks the stronger figure on each row (cheaper multiple, higher margin/return).

Compare

Total return — AEO vs BKE

growth of $100 · last 30y
AEO +2155.7%BKE +773.5%AEO compounded faster
01k2k3k4k5kStart $100200120062011201620212026$2,256$874
AEO BKE

AEO vs BKE: by the numbers

  • AEO is the larger company ($3.00B vs $2.23B market cap).
  • BKE trades at the lower earnings multiple (9.92 vs 11.04 P/E).
  • BKE converts more revenue to profit (16.85% vs 5.01% net margin).
  • AEO grew revenue faster over the past five years (5.72% vs 3.91% CAGR).
  • BKE pays the higher dividend yield (3.24% vs 2.80%).

Which is better, AEO or BKE?

Metric tally: AEO 3 · BKE 12

It depends on what you're optimizing for:

ValueBKE(lower P/E)
GrowthAEO(faster 5Y revenue CAGR)
IncomeBKE(higher dividend yield)
QualityBKE(higher ROIC)

Metrics side by side

Valuation

MetricAEOBKE
P/E ratio11.049.92
Forward P/E12.9610.63
P/S ratio0.551.68
P/B ratio1.874.81
PEG ratio1.78
EV / EBITDA7.587.59
FCF yield0.48%10.02%

Profitability

MetricAEOBKE
Gross margin34.76%48.87%
Operating margin7.57%21.10%
Net margin5.01%16.85%
ROE17.05%48.26%
ROIC6.98%23.63%

Dividends

MetricAEOBKE
Dividend yield2.80%3.24%
Payout ratio44.64%33.57%

Growth (annualized)

MetricAEOBKE
Revenue CAGR (5Y)5.72%3.91%
EPS CAGR (5Y)-0.15%9.32%
FCF CAGR (5Y)-44.42%-8.21%
Total return CAGR (5Y)-11.74%0.47%

Frequently asked

Which is better, AEO or BKE?
It depends on your goal. value: BKE (lower P/E); growth: AEO (faster 5Y revenue CAGR); income: BKE (higher dividend yield); quality: BKE (higher ROIC). Across all compared metrics, BKE leads 12 to 3.
Is AEO or BKE cheaper?
On trailing earnings, BKE is cheaper: AEO trades at a 11.04 P/E and BKE at 9.92.
Which has grown faster, AEO or BKE?
Over the past five years, AEO grew revenue faster — AEO at a 5.72% CAGR versus BKE at 3.91%.
Does AEO or BKE pay a bigger dividend?
AEO yields 2.80% and BKE yields 3.24% based on trailing dividends and the latest price.
Is AEO or BKE more profitable?
BKE runs the higher net margin — AEO at 5.01% versus BKE at 16.85%.
Which has been the better investment, AEO or BKE?
Over the past 10-year, BKE delivered the higher annualized total return — AEO at 3.94% versus BKE at 9.37%. 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 June 27, 2026.