American Eagle Outfitters, Inc. (AEO) vs Kohl's Corporation (KSS)

A side-by-side comparison of American Eagle Outfitters, Inc. and Kohl's Corporation 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 returnAEO vs KSS

growth of $100 · dividends reinvested · last 10y
AEO +7.1% (+0.7%/yr)KSS -32.9% (-3.9%/yr)AEO compounded faster over this window
50100150200Start $10020182020202220242026$107$67
AEO KSS

AEO vs KSS: by the numbers

  • AEO is the larger company ($2.52B vs $1.95B market cap).
  • KSS trades at the lower trailing earnings multiple (7.43 vs 7.66 P/E), one valuation lens rather than an overall verdict.
  • AEO converts more revenue to profit (5.91% vs 1.75% net margin).
  • AEO grew revenue faster over the past five years (4.59% vs -3.51% CAGR).
  • AEO pays the higher dividend yield (3.33% vs 2.90%).

Metrics side by side

Valuation

MetricAEOKSS
P/E ratio7.667.43
Forward P/E7.028.32
P/S ratio0.440.13
P/B ratio1.430.47
EV / EBITDA5.715.84
FCF yieldN/A50.57%

Profitability

MetricAEOKSS
Gross margin38.15%38.92%
Operating margin9.34%3.86%
Net margin5.91%1.75%
ROE19.10%6.48%
ROIC10.69%4.52%

Dividends

MetricAEOKSS
Dividend yield3.33%2.90%
Payout ratio25.51%21.56%

Growth (annualized)

MetricAEOKSS
Revenue CAGR (5Y)4.59%-3.51%
EPS CAGR (5Y)-0.15%-9.42%
FCF CAGR (5Y)29.29%-16.24%
Total return CAGR (5Y)-8.50%-14.55%

Frequently asked

Which has the lower trailing P/E, AEO or KSS?
KSS has the lower trailing P/E: AEO trades at 7.66 and KSS at 7.43. P/E is one valuation measure and does not by itself establish which business is cheaper.
Which has grown faster, AEO or KSS?
Over the past five years, AEO grew revenue faster — AEO at a 4.59% CAGR versus KSS at -3.51%.
Does AEO or KSS pay a bigger dividend?
AEO yields 3.33% and KSS yields 2.90% based on trailing dividends and the latest price.
Is AEO or KSS more profitable?
AEO runs the higher net margin — AEO at 5.91% versus KSS at 1.75%.
How have AEO and KSS total returns compared?
Over the past 10 years, AEO delivered 0.83% and KSS delivered -3.90% 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.