The AES Corporation (AES) vs Carter's Inc. (CRI)
A side-by-side comparison of The AES Corporation and Carter's Inc. across valuation, profitability, dividends, and growth — built entirely from reported fundamentals, as of September 10, 2026. Differences are shown without an overall score or investment verdict.
Different business models: AES is classified in Utilities; CRI is classified in Consumer Cyclical. Margin, capital intensity, and valuation differences should be interpreted in that sector context.
AES
The AES Corporation
$14.79UtilitiesDelayed quote: Sep 11, 2026, 4:00 PM EDT
CRI
Carter's Inc.
$30.43Consumer CyclicalDelayed quote: Sep 11, 2026, 4:00 PM EDT
Total return — AES vs CRI
growth of $100 · dividends reinvested · last 10yAES +72.4% (+5.6%/yr)CRI -59.2% (-8.6%/yr)AES compounded faster over this window
AES CRI
AES vs CRI: by the numbers
- •AES is the larger company ($10.55B vs $1.12B market cap).
- •CRI trades at the lower trailing earnings multiple (5.54 vs 5.62 P/E), one valuation lens rather than an overall verdict.
- •AES converts more revenue to profit (14.62% vs 6.55% net margin).
- •AES grew revenue faster over the past five years (4.57% vs -2.54% CAGR).
- •AES pays the higher dividend yield (4.76% vs 3.31%).
Metrics side by side
Valuation
| Metric | AES | CRI |
|---|---|---|
| P/E ratio | 5.62 | 5.54 |
| Forward P/E | 6.46 | 9.30 |
| P/S ratio | 0.81 | 0.38 |
| P/B ratio | 2.13 | 1.09 |
| EV / EBITDA | 9.15 | 5.00 |
| FCF yield | N/A | 26.13% |
Profitability
| Metric | AES | CRI |
|---|---|---|
| Gross margin | 20.29% | 48.60% |
| Operating margin | 17.48% | 9.24% |
| Net margin | 14.62% | 6.55% |
| ROE | 38.61% | 18.99% |
| ROIC | 4.38% | 10.17% |
Dividends
| Metric | AES | CRI |
|---|---|---|
| Dividend yield | 4.76% | 3.31% |
| Payout ratio | 26.76% | 18.21% |
Growth (annualized)
| Metric | AES | CRI |
|---|---|---|
| Revenue CAGR (5Y) | 4.57% | -2.54% |
| EPS CAGR (5Y) | 78.27% | -24.12% |
| FCF CAGR (5Y) | N/A | -26.11% |
| Total return CAGR (5Y) | -5.30% | -18.44% |
Frequently asked
- Which has the lower trailing P/E, AES or CRI?
- CRI has the lower trailing P/E: AES trades at 5.62 and CRI at 5.54. P/E is one valuation measure and does not by itself establish which business is cheaper.
- Which has grown faster, AES or CRI?
- Over the past five years, AES grew revenue faster — AES at a 4.57% CAGR versus CRI at -2.54%.
- Does AES or CRI pay a bigger dividend?
- AES yields 4.76% and CRI yields 3.31% based on trailing dividends and the latest price.
- Is AES or CRI more profitable?
- AES runs the higher net margin — AES at 14.62% versus CRI at 6.55%.
- How have AES and CRI total returns compared?
- Over the past 10 years, AES delivered 5.78% and CRI delivered -8.33% annualized total return. Past performance doesn't predict future results.
Go deeper
Dig into the metrics
AES P/E ratioCarter's P/E ratioAES dividend yieldCarter's dividend yieldAES ROECarter's ROEAES operating marginCarter's operating marginAES revenue growthCarter's revenue growthAES free cash flowCarter's free cash flow
AES & 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 September 10, 2026.