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

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 September 13, 2026. Differences are shown without an overall score or investment verdict.

Compare

Total return — AEO vs BKE

growth of $100 · dividends reinvested · last 10y
AEO +7.1% (+0.7%/yr)BKE +317.5% (+15.4%/yr)BKE compounded faster over this window
0200400600Start $10020182020202220242026$107$417
AEO BKE

AEO vs BKE: by the numbers

  • •AEO is the larger company ($2.78B vs $2.18B market cap).
  • •AEO trades at the lower trailing earnings multiple (8.46 vs 9.74 P/E), one valuation lens rather than an overall verdict.
  • •BKE converts more revenue to profit (16.62% vs 5.91% net margin).
  • •AEO grew revenue faster over the past five years (4.59% vs 2.68% CAGR).
  • •AEO pays the higher dividend yield (3.33% vs 2.58%).

Metrics side by side

Valuation

MetricAEOBKE
P/E ratio8.469.74
Forward P/E7.759.83
P/S ratio0.491.64
P/B ratio1.584.45
EV / EBITDA6.067.71
FCF yieldN/A8.79%

Profitability

MetricAEOBKE
Gross margin38.15%48.95%
Operating margin9.34%20.84%
Net margin5.91%16.62%
ROE19.10%45.17%
ROIC10.69%22.24%

Dividends

MetricAEOBKE
Dividend yield3.33%2.58%
Payout ratio25.51%24.19%

Growth (annualized)

MetricAEOBKE
Revenue CAGR (5Y)4.59%2.68%
EPS CAGR (5Y)-0.15%-5.36%
FCF CAGR (5Y)29.29%-8.68%
Total return CAGR (5Y)-8.50%10.63%

Frequently asked

Which has the lower trailing P/E, AEO or BKE?
AEO has the lower trailing P/E: AEO trades at 8.46 and BKE at 9.74. P/E is one valuation measure and does not by itself establish which business is cheaper.
Which has grown faster, AEO or BKE?
Over the past five years, AEO grew revenue faster — AEO at a 4.59% CAGR versus BKE at 2.68%.
Does AEO or BKE pay a bigger dividend?
AEO yields 3.33% and BKE yields 2.58% based on trailing dividends and the latest price.
Is AEO or BKE more profitable?
BKE runs the higher net margin — AEO at 5.91% versus BKE at 16.62%.
How have AEO and BKE total returns compared?
Over the past 10 years, AEO delivered 0.83% and BKE delivered 15.64% 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 September 13, 2026.