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 July 31, 2026. Differences are shown without an overall score or investment verdict.

Compare

Total returnAEO vs KSS

growth of $100 · dividends reinvested · last 30y
AEO +3367.8%KSS +389.1%AEO compounded faster
Log scale — wide-divergence pair
101001k10kStart $100200120062011201620212026$3,468$489
AEO KSS

AEO vs KSS: by the numbers

  • AEO is the larger company ($2.90B vs $2.21B market cap).
  • KSS trades at the lower trailing earnings multiple (8.16 vs 10.69 P/E), one valuation lens rather than an overall verdict.
  • AEO converts more revenue to profit (5.01% vs 1.76% net margin).
  • AEO grew revenue faster over the past five years (5.72% vs -2.35% CAGR).
  • AEO pays the higher dividend yield (2.89% vs 2.56%).

Metrics side by side

Valuation

MetricAEOKSS
P/E ratio10.698.16
Forward P/E12.5513.94
P/S ratio0.530.15
P/B ratio1.810.56
PEG ratioN/A0.05
EV / EBITDA7.436.98
FCF yield0.50%53.76%

Profitability

MetricAEOKSS
Gross margin34.76%39.40%
Operating margin7.57%3.21%
Net margin5.01%1.76%
ROE17.05%6.76%
ROIC6.98%3.75%

Dividends

MetricAEOKSS
Dividend yield2.89%2.56%
Payout ratio44.64%20.58%

Growth (annualized)

MetricAEOKSS
Revenue CAGR (5Y)5.72%-2.35%
EPS CAGR (5Y)-0.15%-9.42%
FCF CAGR (5Y)29.29%-1.97%
Total return CAGR (5Y)-10.34%-12.13%

Frequently asked

Which has the lower trailing P/E, AEO or KSS?
KSS has the lower trailing P/E: AEO trades at 10.69 and KSS at 8.16. 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 5.72% CAGR versus KSS at -2.35%.
Does AEO or KSS pay a bigger dividend?
AEO yields 2.89% and KSS yields 2.56% based on trailing dividends and the latest price.
Is AEO or KSS more profitable?
AEO runs the higher net margin — AEO at 5.01% versus KSS at 1.76%.
How have AEO and KSS total returns compared?
Over the past 10 years, AEO delivered 2.39% and KSS delivered -2.36% 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 July 31, 2026.