MetaCap

American Eagle Outfitters (AEO) vs Boot Barn (BOOT)

Head-to-head comparison of performance, valuation, growth, profitability and dividends. Prices delayed 15 minutes; data as of Oct 7, 2026.

Summary

American Eagle Outfitters (AEO) has outperformed Boot Barn (BOOT) over the past year, gaining 14.1% versus a loss of 27.0%. Over five years, BOOT leads with a +26.8% price change compared with -27.9% for AEO. Boot Barn is the larger company by market cap ($3.71 billion vs $2.96 billion), about 1.3 times the size.

On valuation, American Eagle Outfitters trades at a lower forward P/E (9.2x vs 12.3x for Boot Barn). American Eagle Outfitters pays a dividend yielding 2.83%, while Boot Barn does not currently pay one.

Summary generated from market data by MetaCap's automated system. Methodology

Relative performance

AEO+14.08%BOOT-26.97%
+88%+27%-34%
Oct 7, 20251 yearOct 7, 2026
AEO-29.05%BOOT+28.55%
+124%+26%-71%
Oct 4, 20215 yearsOct 5, 2026

Percent change in share price from the first common trading day shown; excludes dividends.

Head-to-head

AEO versus BOOT key metrics
MetricAEOBOOT
Share price$17.66$122.34
Market cap$2.96B$3.71B
1-day change-1.29%-1.59%
YTD return-33.03%-30.67%
1-year return+14.08%-26.97%
5-year return-27.86%+26.80%
P/E ratio (TTM)9.0615.49
Forward P/E9.1912.28
EPS (TTM)$1.95$7.90
Dividend yield2.83%0.00%
Annual dividend$0.50$0.00
52-week high$28.46$210.25
52-week low$14.06$119.21
Distance from 52-week high-37.95%-41.81%
Analyst consensusholdstrong_buy
Avg. price target upside+5.04%+77.37%
Average volume5.65M683.44K
Shares outstanding167.57M30.28M
Employees10,0003,800
SectorConsumer DiscretionaryConsumer Discretionary
IndustryClothing/Shoe/Accessory StoresClothing/Shoe/Accessory Stores

Highlighted cells mark the higher value for growth, returns, margins and yield, and the lower value for P/E ratios. Highlighting is a mechanical comparison, not a recommendation.

Key differences

  • AEO has outperformed BOOT by 41.1 percentage points over the past year.
  • Boot Barn trades at a higher earnings multiple (15.5x vs 9.1x trailing P/E).
  • American Eagle Outfitters offers a meaningfully higher dividend yield (2.83% vs 0.00%).

About American Eagle Outfitters

AEO stock →

American Eagle Outfitters, Inc. operates as a multi-brand specialty retailer in the United States and internationally.

Consumer Discretionary · Clothing/Shoe/Accessory Stores · 10,000 employees

About Boot Barn

BOOT stock →

Boot Barn Holdings, Inc. operates specialty retail stores in the United States and internationally.

Consumer Discretionary · Clothing/Shoe/Accessory Stores · 3,800 employees

AEO vs BOOT FAQ

Which is bigger, American Eagle Outfitters or Boot Barn?

Boot Barn (BOOT) is larger, with a market capitalization of $3.71B compared with $2.96B for American Eagle Outfitters (AEO).

Which stock has performed better over the past year, AEO or BOOT?

AEO returned +14.08% over the past 12 months, compared with -26.97% for BOOT (price return, excluding dividends). Past performance does not predict future results.

Which has the lower P/E ratio, AEO or BOOT?

AEO has the lower trailing P/E at 9.1, versus 15.5 for BOOT. A lower P/E is not by itself a sign of a better investment; it can reflect slower expected growth or higher risk.

Which pays a higher dividend, American Eagle Outfitters or Boot Barn?

American Eagle Outfitters pays a dividend yielding 2.83%, while Boot Barn does not currently pay a regular dividend.

Are American Eagle Outfitters and Boot Barn in the same industry?

Yes. Both are classified in the Clothing/Shoe/Accessory Stores industry within the Consumer Discretionary sector.

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