American Eagle Outfitters, Inc. (AEO) vs Columbia Sportswear Company (COLM)

A side-by-side comparison of American Eagle Outfitters, Inc. and Columbia Sportswear Company across valuation, profitability, dividends, and growth — built entirely from reported fundamentals, as of October 5, 2026. Differences are shown without an overall score or investment verdict.

Compare

Total return — AEO vs COLM

growth of $100 · dividends reinvested · last 10y
AEO +34.6% (+3.0%/yr)COLM +11.3% (+1.1%/yr)AEO compounded faster over this window
50100150200250Start $10020182020202220242026$135$111
AEO COLM

AEO vs COLM: by the numbers

  • •AEO is the larger company ($3.04B vs $2.92B market cap).
  • •AEO trades at the lower trailing earnings multiple (9.26 vs 14.81 P/E), one valuation lens rather than an overall verdict.
  • •COLM converts more revenue to profit (6.05% vs 5.91% net margin).
  • •AEO grew revenue faster over the past five years (4.59% vs 3.93% CAGR).
  • •AEO pays the higher dividend yield (2.76% vs 2.11%).

Metrics side by side

Valuation

MetricAEOCOLM
P/E ratio9.2614.81
Forward P/E8.3212.51
PEG ratioN/A1.00
P/S ratio0.530.86
P/B ratio1.721.82
EV / EBITDA6.498.85
FCF yieldN/A11.02%

Profitability

MetricAEOCOLM
Gross margin37.23%52.02%
Operating margin9.34%7.78%
Net margin5.91%6.05%
ROE19.10%12.86%
ROIC11.65%9.69%

Dividends

MetricAEOCOLM
Dividend yield2.76%2.11%
Payout ratio25.51%31.17%

Growth (annualized)

MetricAEOCOLM
Revenue CAGR (5Y)4.59%3.93%
EPS CAGR (5Y)N/A14.73%
FCF CAGR (5Y)N/A-4.62%
Total return CAGR (5Y)-3.29%-7.99%

Frequently asked

Which has the lower trailing P/E, AEO or COLM?
AEO has the lower trailing P/E: AEO trades at 9.26 and COLM at 14.81. P/E is one valuation measure and does not by itself establish which business is cheaper.
Which has grown faster, AEO or COLM?
Over the past five years, AEO grew revenue faster — AEO at a 4.59% CAGR versus COLM at 3.93%.
Does AEO or COLM pay a bigger dividend?
AEO yields 2.76% and COLM yields 2.11% based on trailing dividends and the latest price.
Is AEO or COLM more profitable?
COLM runs the higher net margin — AEO at 5.91% versus COLM at 6.05%.
How have AEO and COLM total returns compared?
Over the past 10 years, AEO delivered 3.28% and COLM delivered 1.36% 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 5, 2026.