American Eagle Outfitters, Inc. (AEO) vs Carter's Inc. (CRI)

A side-by-side comparison of American Eagle Outfitters, Inc. and Carter's Inc. across valuation, profitability, dividends, and growth — built entirely from reported fundamentals, as of July 29, 2026. Differences are shown without an overall score or investment verdict.

Compare

Total returnAEO vs CRI

growth of $100 · dividends reinvested · last 23y
AEO +479.6%CRI +333.2%AEO compounded faster
2004006008001kStart $10020072011201520192023$580$433
AEO CRI

AEO vs CRI: by the numbers

  • AEO is the larger company ($2.95B vs $1.42B market cap).
  • AEO trades at the lower trailing earnings multiple (11.20 vs 15.56 P/E), one valuation lens rather than an overall verdict.
  • AEO converts more revenue to profit (5.01% vs 3.07% net margin).
  • AEO grew revenue faster over the past five years (5.72% vs -1.35% CAGR).
  • AEO pays the higher dividend yield (2.76% vs 2.53%).

Metrics side by side

Valuation

MetricAEOCRI
P/E ratio11.2015.56
Forward P/E13.1511.92
P/S ratio0.560.47
P/B ratio1.901.51
EV / EBITDA7.6510.75
FCF yield0.48%9.08%

Profitability

MetricAEOCRI
Gross margin34.76%44.66%
Operating margin7.57%4.80%
Net margin5.01%3.07%
ROE17.05%9.76%
ROIC6.98%5.29%

Dividends

MetricAEOCRI
Dividend yield2.76%2.53%
Payout ratio44.64%38.61%

Growth (annualized)

MetricAEOCRI
Revenue CAGR (5Y)5.72%-1.35%
EPS CAGR (5Y)-0.15%-24.12%
FCF CAGR (5Y)29.29%-24.78%
Total return CAGR (5Y)-9.43%-13.32%

Frequently asked

Which has the lower trailing P/E, AEO or CRI?
AEO has the lower trailing P/E: AEO trades at 11.20 and CRI at 15.56. P/E is one valuation measure and does not by itself establish which business is cheaper.
Which has grown faster, AEO or CRI?
Over the past five years, AEO grew revenue faster — AEO at a 5.72% CAGR versus CRI at -1.35%.
Does AEO or CRI pay a bigger dividend?
AEO yields 2.76% and CRI yields 2.53% based on trailing dividends and the latest price.
Is AEO or CRI more profitable?
AEO runs the higher net margin — AEO at 5.01% versus CRI at 3.07%.
How have AEO and CRI total returns compared?
Over the past 10 years, AEO delivered 3.06% and CRI delivered -6.59% 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 July 29, 2026.