Is AEO a good stock to buy right now?

Based on our 6-factor quantitative model, AMERICAN EAGLE OUTFITTERS INC (AEO) receives a "Reduce" rating with a composite score of 49.4/100. It is ranked #2,112 out of 4,446 stocks. Key factor scores: Quality 50/100, Value 71/100, Momentum 52/100. The timing signal is "Bearish". This is quantitative analysis only — not investment advice.

What is the stock rating for AEO?

AMERICAN EAGLE OUTFITTERS INC (AEO) has a "Reduce" rating and 2-star score. The composite score of 49.4 ranks it #2,112 among 4,446 U.S. stocks. Ratings are updated weekly using academically-proven factor models.

What sector is AEO in?

AMERICAN EAGLE OUTFITTERS INC operates in the Consumer Discretionary sector (Retail industry) with a market cap of $2.94 billion. It is classified as a mid-cap stock.

Does AEO pay a dividend?

Yes, AEO pays a dividend with a current yield of 2.99%. For every $1,000 invested, you would receive approximately $29.90 in annual dividend income.

What is AEO's P/E ratio?

AEO has a trailing P/E ratio of 103.88x. The Consumer Discretionary sector average is 24.5x. This above-average P/E reflects growth expectations or premium valuation.

How profitable is AEO?

AEO's quality factor score is 50/100. Gross margin: 34.7%. ROE: 1.7% vs sector average 6.2%. Margins are moderate to low, reflecting competitive market dynamics.

How is AEO valued compared to peers?

AEO's value factor score is 71/100 (higher = cheaper). Key multiples: P/E 103.9x, EV/EBITDA 11.5x. The stock appears attractively valued versus peers.

What is AEO's debt level?

AEO's debt-to-equity ratio is 0%. Sector average: 89%. Low leverage suggests conservative financial management.

AEO has a beta of 1.02, meaning it tracks the market. Stability score: 29/100.

Does AEO have high short interest?

AEO's short interest factor score is 45/100 (higher = less short selling). Elevated short interest may indicate bearish sentiment or short squeeze potential.

AEO Stock Analysis: Top Mid-Cap Reduce (Score 49.4/100) | Blank Capital Research

Data Series	1D	5D	1M	YTD	1Y	3Y	5Y	10Y
AEO	-1.19%	+8.79%	-2.35%	-30.53%	+71.54%	-	-	-
Industry Proxy XLY	+0.13%	+4.38%	-1.35%	-5.46%	-39.92%	-	-	-
U.S. Market SPY	-0.07%	+3.60%	+0.34%	-0.36%	+29.52%	-	-	-
Alpha vs Market	-1.12%	+5.19%	-2.68%	-30.17%	+42.01%	-	-	-
Alpha vs Sector	-1.32%	+4.41%	-0.99%	-25.07%	+111.46%	-	-	-

Metric	AEO	Benchmark
P/E Ratio	103.9x	+325%
EV/EBITDA	11.5x	+135%
Price / Book	1.7x

Stock Entity	Score▼	Quality	Value	Momentum	P/E Ratio	ROE	Gross Margin	Net Margin	Rev Growth	D/E Ratio	Market Cap	Compare
CASY CASEYS GENERAL STORES INC	57	50	68	67	42.2x	16.9%	24.0%	3.8%	0.3%	123.0x	$27.2B	VS
TGT TARGET CORP	53	50	70	56	16.2x	20.7%	28.4%	3.4%	-0.7%	89.0x	$54.5B	VS
APEI AMERICAN PUBLIC EDUCATION INC	53	49	58	72	78.3x	4.6%	52.8%	2.1%	6.8%	32.0x	$1.1B	VS
LINC LINCOLN EDUCATIONAL SERVICES CORP	52	50	48	75	116.7x	5.6%	59.2%	2.3%	37.4%	147.0x	$1.3B	VS
FIVE FIVE BELOW, INC	52	50	56	73	105.5x	5.4%	32.5%	3.1%	26.5%	125.0x	$13.0B	VS
IMKTA INGLES MARKETS INC	51	50	51	62	17.4x	6.2%	23.9%	1.9%	0.4%	57.0x	$1.7B	VS
PRDO PERDOCEO EDUCATION Corp	51	50	70	57	14.2x	16.7%	100.0%	20.4%	27.1%	28.0x	$2.4B	VS
MCRI MONARCH CASINO & RESORT INC	51	50	66	47	16.7x	19.7%	24.5%	19.4%	11.5%	33.0x	$1.7B	VS
AEO AMERICAN EAGLE OUTFITTERS INC	49	50	71	52	103.9x	1.7%	34.7%	0.1%	-0.6%	0.0x	$2.9B
FCFS FirstCash Holdings, Inc.	49	50	29	66	34.7x	10.8%	50.2%	8.0%	26.6%	98.0x	$8.4B	VS
ESCA ESCALADE INC	48	50	65	51	15.2x	9.0%	26.1%	6.2%	8.4%	11.0x	$249M	VS

Key Ratio	TTM	2026	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
Gross Margin %	0.3%	0.4%	0.4%	-	0.3%	0.4%	0.3%	0.4%	0.4%	0.4%	0.4%
Operating Margin %	0.0%	0.0%	0.1%	-	0.0%	0.1%	-0.1%	0.1%	0.1%	0.1%	0.1%
EBITDA Margin %	0.1%	0.1%	0.1%	-	0.1%	0.2%	-0.0%	0.1%	0.1%	0.1%	0.1%
Net Margin %	0.0%	0.0%	0.1%	-	0.0%	0.1%	-0.1%	0.0%	0.1%	0.1%	0.1%
FCF Margin %	-2.2%	-	-	-	-	-	2.0%	6.2%	0.2%	5.9%	5.7%
ROE %	0.0%	0.1%	0.2%	-	0.1%	0.3%	-0.2%	0.2%	0.1%	0.2%	0.2%
ROA %	0.0%	0.0%	0.1%	-	0.0%	0.1%	-0.1%	0.1%	0.0%	0.1%	0.1%
ROIC %	0.0%	10.6%	19.1%	0.0%	12.2%	32.8%	-38.2%	20.8%	7.8%	28.7%	31.7%

Key Ratio

TTM

2026

2025

2024

2023

2022

2021

2020

2019

2018

2017

Gross Margin %

0.3%

0.4%

0.3%

0.4%

0.3%

0.4%

Operating Margin %

0.0%

0.1%

0.0%

0.1%

-0.1%

0.1%

EBITDA Margin %

0.1%

0.2%

-0.0%

0.1%

Net Margin %

0.0%

0.1%

0.0%

0.1%

-0.1%

0.0%

0.1%

FCF Margin %

-2.2%

2.0%

6.2%

0.2%

5.9%

5.7%

ROE %

0.0%

0.1%

0.2%

0.1%

0.3%

-0.2%

0.2%

0.1%

0.2%

ROA %

0.0%

0.1%

0.0%

0.1%

-0.1%

0.1%

0.0%

0.1%

ROIC %

0.0%

10.6%

19.1%

0.0%

12.2%

32.8%

-38.2%

20.8%

7.8%

28.7%

31.7%

Line Item	TTM	2026	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2018	2017	2016
	$4.8B	$5.5B	$5.3B	—	$5.0B	$5.0B	$3.8B	$4.3B	$3.8B	$3.6B	$3.5B
	—	$3.5B	$3.2B	—	$3.2B	$3.0B	—	—	—	—	—
	$1.7B	$2.0B	$2.1B	—	$1.7B	$2.0B	$1.1B	$1.5B	$1.4B	$1.4B	$1.3B
Gross Margin	34.7%	36.5%	39.2%	---	35.0%	39.8%	30.5%	35.3%	36.1%	37.9%	37.0%
	—	$1.5B	$1.4B	—	$1.3B	$1.2B	—	—	—	—	—
Depreciation	—	$212M	$212M	—	$207M	$167M	$166M	$171M	$169M	$158M	$149M
Total Operating Expenses	—	$1.8B	$1.7B	—	$1.5B	$1.4B	—	—	—	—	—
	$39M	$226M	$427M	—	$247M	$591M	-$271M	$233M	$303M	$331M	$320M
EBIT	$39M	$226M	$427M	—	$247M	$591M	-$271M	$233M	$303M	$331M	$320M
EBITDA	$251M	$438M	$640M	—	$454M	$758M	-$102M	$420M	$457M	$493M	$471M
Operating Margin	0.2%	4.1%	8.0%	---	5.0%	11.8%	-7.2%	5.4%	8.0%	9.2%	9.1%
EBITDA Margin	5.3%	7.9%	12.0%	---	9.1%	15.1%	-2.7%	9.8%	12.0%	13.7%	13.4%
	—	—	—	—	—	—	$25M	-$6M	—	—	—
	—	$249M	$442M	—	$178M	$559M	—	—	—	—	—
Income Tax Expense	—	$64M	$113M	—	$53M	$139M	-$83M	$54M	$83M	$123M	$109M
	$28M	$186M	$329M	—	$125M	$420M	-$209M	$191M	$204M	$212M	$218M
Net Margin	0.1%	3.3%	6.2%	---	2.5%	8.4%	-5.6%	4.4%	5.4%	5.9%	6.2%
	$1.12	$1.12	$1.71	-	$0.69	$2.50	$-1.26	$1.13	$1.15	$1.17	$1.12
Diluted EPS	$1.12	$1.09	$1.68	-	$0.64	$2.03	$-1.26	$1.13	$1.15	$1.17	$1.12
Weighted Avg Basic	—	172M	193M	—	182M	168M	—	—	—	—	—
Weighted Avg Diluted	—	176M	196M	—	205M	207M	—	—	—	—	—

Line Item

TTM

2026

2025

2024

2023

2022

2021

2020

2018

2017

2016

$4.8B

$5.5B

$5.3B

—

$5.0B

$3.8B

$4.3B

$3.8B

$3.6B

$3.5B

—

$3.5B

$3.2B

—

$3.2B

$3.0B

—

$1.7B

$2.0B

$2.1B

—

$1.7B

$2.0B

$1.1B

$1.5B

$1.4B

$1.3B

Gross Margin

34.7%

36.5%

39.2%

---

35.0%

39.8%

30.5%

35.3%

36.1%

37.9%

37.0%

—

$1.5B

$1.4B

—

$1.3B

$1.2B

—

Depreciation

—

$212M

—

$207M

$167M

$166M

$171M

$169M

$158M

$149M

Total Operating Expenses

—

$1.8B

$1.7B

—

$1.5B

$1.4B

—

$39M

$226M

$427M

—

$247M

$591M

-$271M

$233M

$303M

$331M

$320M

EBIT

$39M

$226M

$427M

—

$247M

$591M

-$271M

$233M

$303M

$331M

$320M

EBITDA

$251M

$438M

$640M

—

$454M

$758M

-$102M

$420M

$457M

$493M

$471M

Operating Margin

0.2%

4.1%

8.0%

---

5.0%

11.8%

-7.2%

5.4%

8.0%

9.2%

9.1%

EBITDA Margin

5.3%

7.9%

12.0%

---

9.1%

15.1%

-2.7%

9.8%

12.0%

13.7%

13.4%

—

$25M

-$6M

—

$249M

$442M

—

$178M

$559M

—

Income Tax Expense

—

$64M

$113M

—

$53M

$139M

-$83M

$54M

$83M

$123M

$109M

$28M

$186M

$329M

—

$125M

$420M

-$209M

$191M

$204M

$212M

$218M

Net Margin

0.1%

3.3%

6.2%

---

2.5%

8.4%

-5.6%

4.4%

5.4%

5.9%

6.2%

$1.12

$1.71

$0.69

$2.50

$-1.26

$1.13

$1.15

$1.17

$1.12

Diluted EPS

$1.12

$1.09

$1.68

$0.64

$2.03

$-1.26

$1.13

$1.15

$1.17

$1.12

Weighted Avg Basic

—

172M

193M

—

182M

168M

—

Weighted Avg Diluted

—

176M

196M

—

205M

207M

—

AMERICAN EAGLE OUTFITTERS INC (AEO) Stock Analysis — April 2026 Rating, Price, and Forecast

Last updated: April 2026

Company Overview — What Does AMERICAN EAGLE OUTFITTERS INC Do?

American Eagle Outfitters, Inc. operates as a specialty retailer that provides clothing, accessories, and personal care products under the American Eagle and Aerie brands. The company provides jeans, and specialty apparel and accessories for women and men; and intimates, apparel, activewear, and swim collections, as well as personal care products for women. It also offers graphic tees and other clothing products under the Tailgate brand name; and menswear products under the Todd Snyder New York brand name. As of January 29, 2022, the company operated 880 American Eagle stores, 244 Aerie brand stand-alone stores, and five Todd Snyder stores in the United States, Canada, Mexico, and Hong Kong. It also ships to 81 countries through its Websites; and offers its merchandise at 260 locations operated by licensees in 28 countries, as well as provides products through its Websites ae.com, aerie.com, and toddsnyder.com. American Eagle Outfitters, Inc. was founded in 1977 and is headquartered in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. AMERICAN EAGLE OUTFITTERS INC (AEO) is classified as a mid-cap stock in the Consumer Discretionary sector, specifically within the Retail industry. The company is led by CEO Jay L. Schottenstein and employs approximately 40,800 people, headquartered in PITTSBURGH, Pennsylvania. With a market capitalization of $2.9B, AEO is one of the notable companies in the Consumer Discretionary sector.

AMERICAN EAGLE OUTFITTERS INC (AEO) Stock Rating — Reduce (April 2026)

As of April 2026, AMERICAN EAGLE OUTFITTERS INC receives a Reduce rating with a composite score of 49.4/100 and 2 out of 5 stars from the Blank Capital Research quantitative model.AEO ranks #2,112 out of 4,446 stocks in our coverage universe. Within the Consumer Discretionary sector, AMERICAN EAGLE OUTFITTERS INC ranks #206 of 442 stocks, placing it in the upper half of its Consumer Discretionary peers. The rating is generated by a multi-factor model that weighs quality (30%), momentum (25%), value (15%), investment (10%), stability (10%), and short interest (10%).

AEO Stock Price and 52-Week Range

AMERICAN EAGLE OUTFITTERS INC (AEO) currently trades at $18.54. The 52-week high for AEO is $28.46, which means the stock is currently trading -34.9% from its annual peak. The 52-week low is $9.27, putting the stock 100.0% above its annual trough. Recent trading volume was 0 shares, suggesting relatively thin trading activity.

Is AEO Overvalued or Undervalued? — Valuation Analysis

AMERICAN EAGLE OUTFITTERS INC (AEO) carries a value factor score of 71/100 in the Blank Capital model, suggesting the stock trades at a meaningful discount to its fundamental earning power. The trailing price-to-earnings ratio is 103.88x, compared to the Consumer Discretionary sector average of 24.47x — a premium of 325%. The price-to-book ratio stands at 1.71x, versus the sector average of 1.99x. The price-to-sales ratio is 0.61x, compared to 0.27x for the average Consumer Discretionary stock. On an enterprise value basis, AEO trades at 11.54x EV/EBITDA, versus 4.91x for the sector.

Based on these multiples, AMERICAN EAGLE OUTFITTERS INC appears attractively valued relative to both its sector peers and the broader market. Value-oriented investors may find the current entry point compelling, particularly if the company's fundamental quality metrics also score well.

AMERICAN EAGLE OUTFITTERS INC Profitability — ROE, Margins, and Quality Score

AMERICAN EAGLE OUTFITTERS INC (AEO) earns a quality factor score of 50/100, indicating solid business quality with consistent operational execution. The return on equity (ROE) is 1.7%, compared to the Consumer Discretionary sector average of 6.2%, which is below typical expectations for high-quality companies. Return on assets (ROA) comes in at 0.7% versus the sector average of 2.5%.

On a margin basis, AMERICAN EAGLE OUTFITTERS INC reports gross margins of 34.7%, compared to 36.9% for the sector. The operating margin is 0.2% (sector: 3.8%). Net profit margin stands at 0.1%, versus 2.1% for the average Consumer Discretionary stock. Revenue growth is running at -0.6% on a trailing basis, compared to 3.3% for the sector. The overall profitability profile is adequate, though there may be room for margin expansion.

AEO Debt, Balance Sheet, and Financial Health

AMERICAN EAGLE OUTFITTERS INC has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.0%, compared to the Consumer Discretionary sector average of 89.0%. The low leverage indicates a conservative balance sheet with significant financial flexibility. The current ratio is 1.51x, suggesting adequate working capital coverage. Total debt on the balance sheet is $0. Cash and equivalents stand at $113M.

AEO has a beta of 1.02, meaning it is roughly in line with the broader market in terms of price volatility. The stability factor score for AMERICAN EAGLE OUTFITTERS INC is 29/100, suggesting elevated price swings that may be unsuitable for conservative portfolios.

AMERICAN EAGLE OUTFITTERS INC Revenue and Earnings History — Quarterly Trend

In TTM 2026, AMERICAN EAGLE OUTFITTERS INC reported revenue of $4.75B and earnings per share (EPS) of $1.12. Net income for the quarter was $28M. Gross margin was 34.7%. Operating income came in at $39M.

In FY 2026, AMERICAN EAGLE OUTFITTERS INC reported revenue of $5.55B and earnings per share (EPS) of $1.12. Net income for the quarter was $186M. Gross margin was 36.5%. Revenue grew 4.1% year-over-year compared to FY 2025. Operating income came in at $226M.

In Q2 2026, AMERICAN EAGLE OUTFITTERS INC reported revenue of $1.28B and earnings per share (EPS) of $0.45. Net income for the quarter was $78M. Gross margin was 39.0%. Revenue grew -0.6% year-over-year compared to Q2 2025. Operating income came in at $103M.

In Q1 2025, AMERICAN EAGLE OUTFITTERS INC reported revenue of $1.09B and earnings per share (EPS) of $-0.36. Net income for the quarter was $-65M. Gross margin was 29.6%. Operating income came in at $-85M.

Over the past 8 quarters, AMERICAN EAGLE OUTFITTERS INC has demonstrated a growth trajectory, with revenue expanding from $1.29B to $4.75B. Investors analyzing AEO stock should weigh these quarterly trends alongside the valuation and quality metrics discussed above.

AEO Dividend Yield and Income Analysis

AMERICAN EAGLE OUTFITTERS INC (AEO) currently pays a dividend yield of 3.0%. At this yield, a $10,000 investment in AEO stock would generate approximately $$299.00 in annual dividend income.

AEO Momentum and Technical Analysis Profile

AMERICAN EAGLE OUTFITTERS INC (AEO) has a momentum factor score of 52/100, reflecting neutral trend characteristics. The stock is neither significantly outperforming nor underperforming the broader market on a momentum basis. The investment factor score is 34/100, which measures capital allocation efficiency and asset growth patterns. The short interest score of 45/100 reflects moderate short selling activity.

AEO vs Competitors — Consumer Discretionary Sector Ranking and Peer Comparison

Within the Consumer Discretionary sector, AMERICAN EAGLE OUTFITTERS INC (AEO) ranks #206 out of 442 stocks based on the Blank Capital composite score. This places AEO in the upper half of all Consumer Discretionary stocks in our coverage universe. Key competitors and sector peers include MONARCH CASINO & RESORT INC (MCRI) with a score of 50.5/100, CASEYS GENERAL STORES INC (CASY) with a score of 57.3/100, INGLES MARKETS INC (IMKTA) with a score of 51.0/100, FIVE BELOW, INC (FIVE) with a score of 51.6/100, and TARGET CORP (TGT) with a score of 52.6/100.

Comparing AEO against the S&P 500 benchmark is also instructive for understanding relative performance. Investors can view the full AEO vs S&P 500 (SPY) comparison to assess how AMERICAN EAGLE OUTFITTERS INC stacks up against the broader market across all factor dimensions.

AEO Next Earnings Date

No upcoming earnings date has been announced for AMERICAN EAGLE OUTFITTERS INC (AEO) at this time. Check the earnings calendar for the latest scheduling updates across all stocks in our coverage universe.

Should You Buy AEO? — Investment Thesis Summary

The quantitative profile for AMERICAN EAGLE OUTFITTERS INC suggests caution. The value score of 71/100 suggests attractive pricing relative to fundamentals. High volatility (stability score 29/100) increases portfolio risk.

In summary, AMERICAN EAGLE OUTFITTERS INC (AEO) earns a Reduce rating with a composite score of 49.4/100 as of April 2026. The rating is derived from the Blank Capital Research methodology, which combines six factor dimensions into a single quantitative ranking. Investors should consider these quantitative signals alongside their own fundamental research, risk tolerance, and investment time horizon before making buy or sell decisions on AEO stock.

Related Resources for AEO Investors

Explore more research and tools: AEO vs S&P 500 comparison, top Consumer Discretionary stocks, stock screener, our methodology, quality factor explained, value factor explained, momentum factor explained. Compare AEO head-to-head with peers: AEO vs MCRI, AEO vs CASY, AEO vs IMKTA.

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American Eagle Outfitters, Inc. (AEO) Is Gaining Attention: Key Information to Consider Before Investing

American Eagle (NYSE: AEO) director receives 2,887-share stock award

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AMERICAN EAGLE OUTFITTERS INC (AEO) Stock Analysis — April 2026 Rating, Price, and Forecast

Company Overview — What Does AMERICAN EAGLE OUTFITTERS INC Do?

AMERICAN EAGLE OUTFITTERS INC (AEO) Stock Rating — Reduce (April 2026)

AEO Stock Price and 52-Week Range

Is AEO Overvalued or Undervalued? — Valuation Analysis

AMERICAN EAGLE OUTFITTERS INC Profitability — ROE, Margins, and Quality Score

AEO Debt, Balance Sheet, and Financial Health

AMERICAN EAGLE OUTFITTERS INC Revenue and Earnings History — Quarterly Trend

AEO Dividend Yield and Income Analysis

AEO Momentum and Technical Analysis Profile

AEO vs Competitors — Consumer Discretionary Sector Ranking and Peer Comparison

AEO Next Earnings Date

Should You Buy AEO? — Investment Thesis Summary

Related Resources for AEO Investors

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Intelligence Feed

Levi Strauss' Q1 Earnings Beat Estimates, DTC Revenues Up 16% Y/Y

American Eagle Outfitters, Inc. (AEO) Is Gaining Attention: Key Information to Consider Before Investing

American Eagle (NYSE: AEO) director receives 2,887-share stock award

AEO (AEO) CEO Schottenstein exercises stock units and withholds shares for taxes

AEO (AEO) CEO converts RSUs into 45,767 shares, 18,229 withheld for tax