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 August 11, 2026. Differences are shown without an overall score or investment verdict.

Compare

Total returnAEO vs BKE

growth of $100 · dividends reinvested · last 10y
AEO +34.4% (+3.0%/yr)BKE +346.4% (+16.1%/yr)BKE compounded faster over this window
200400600Start $10020182020202220242026$134$446
AEO BKE

AEO vs BKE: by the numbers

  • AEO is the larger company ($2.91B vs $2.37B market cap).
  • BKE trades at the lower trailing earnings multiple (10.70 vs 11.31 P/E), one valuation lens rather than an overall verdict.
  • 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).
  • AEO pays the higher dividend yield (2.73% vs 2.25%).

Metrics side by side

Valuation

MetricAEOBKE
P/E ratio11.3110.70
Forward P/E13.2811.46
P/S ratio0.561.81
P/B ratio1.925.18
EV / EBITDA7.708.15
FCF yield0.47%9.29%

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 yield2.73%2.25%
Payout ratio44.64%25.18%

Growth (annualized)

MetricAEOBKE
Revenue CAGR (5Y)5.72%3.91%
EPS CAGR (5Y)-0.15%-5.36%
FCF CAGR (5Y)29.29%-8.21%
Total return CAGR (5Y)-9.70%10.34%

Frequently asked

Which has the lower trailing P/E, AEO or BKE?
BKE has the lower trailing P/E: AEO trades at 11.31 and BKE at 10.70. 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 5.72% CAGR versus BKE at 3.91%.
Does AEO or BKE pay a bigger dividend?
AEO yields 2.73% and BKE yields 2.25% 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%.
How have AEO and BKE total returns compared?
Over the past 10 years, AEO delivered 2.94% and BKE delivered 16.72% 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 August 11, 2026.