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.
AEO
American Eagle Outfitters, Inc.
$17.59Consumer CyclicalDelayed quote: Jul 29, 2026, 3:35 PM EDT
CRI
Carter's Inc.
$38.60Consumer CyclicalDelayed quote: Jul 29, 2026, 3:35 PM EDT
Total return — AEO vs CRI
growth of $100 · dividends reinvested · last 23yAEO +479.6%CRI +333.2%AEO compounded faster
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
| Metric | AEO | CRI |
|---|---|---|
| P/E ratio | 11.20 | 15.56 |
| Forward P/E | 13.15 | 11.92 |
| P/S ratio | 0.56 | 0.47 |
| P/B ratio | 1.90 | 1.51 |
| EV / EBITDA | 7.65 | 10.75 |
| FCF yield | 0.48% | 9.08% |
Profitability
| Metric | AEO | CRI |
|---|---|---|
| Gross margin | 34.76% | 44.66% |
| Operating margin | 7.57% | 4.80% |
| Net margin | 5.01% | 3.07% |
| ROE | 17.05% | 9.76% |
| ROIC | 6.98% | 5.29% |
Dividends
| Metric | AEO | CRI |
|---|---|---|
| Dividend yield | 2.76% | 2.53% |
| Payout ratio | 44.64% | 38.61% |
Growth (annualized)
| Metric | AEO | CRI |
|---|---|---|
| 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.
Go deeper
Dig into the metrics
American Eagle Outfitters P/E ratioCarter's P/E ratioAmerican Eagle Outfitters dividend yieldCarter's dividend yieldAmerican Eagle Outfitters ROECarter's ROEAmerican Eagle Outfitters operating marginCarter's operating marginAmerican Eagle Outfitters revenue growthCarter's revenue growthAmerican Eagle Outfitters free cash flowCarter's free cash flow
American Eagle Outfitters & Carter's appear in these rankings
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.