American Eagle Outfitters (AEO) vs Gap (GAP)
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 Gap (GAP) over the past year, gaining 14.1% versus a gain of 12.1%. Over five years, GAP leads with a +6.6% price change compared with -27.9% for AEO. Gap is the larger company by market cap ($8.29 billion vs $2.96 billion), about 2.8 times the size.
On valuation, Gap trades at a lower forward P/E (9.0x vs 9.2x for American Eagle Outfitters). Gap offers the higher dividend yield (2.88% vs 2.83%).
Summary generated from market data by MetaCap's automated system. Methodology
Relative performance
Percent change in share price from the first common trading day shown; excludes dividends.
Head-to-head
| Metric | AEO | GAP |
|---|---|---|
| Share price | $17.66 | $23.61 |
| Market cap | $2.96B | $8.29B |
| 1-day change | -1.29% | -0.02% |
| YTD return | -32.99% | -7.77% |
| 1-year return | +14.15% | +12.06% |
| 5-year return | -27.86% | +6.64% |
| P/E ratio (TTM) | 9.06 | 7.11 |
| Forward P/E | 9.19 | 8.96 |
| EPS (TTM) | $1.95 | $3.32 |
| Dividend yield | 2.83% | 2.88% |
| Annual dividend | $0.50 | $0.68 |
| Revenue (latest FY) | — | $15.37B |
| Revenue growth (YoY) | — | +1.86% |
| Net income (latest FY) | — | $816.00M |
| Gross margin | — | 40.79% |
| Operating margin | — | 7.26% |
| Net margin | — | 5.31% |
| 52-week high | $28.46 | $29.36 |
| 52-week low | $14.06 | $18.11 |
| Distance from 52-week high | -37.95% | -19.58% |
| Analyst consensus | hold | buy |
| Avg. price target upside | +5.04% | +12.28% |
| Average volume | 5.63M | 7.11M |
| Shares outstanding | 167.57M | 351.27M |
| Employees | 10,000 | 79,000 |
| Sector | Consumer Discretionary | Consumer Discretionary |
| Industry | Clothing/Shoe/Accessory Stores | Clothing/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
- Gap is about 2.8 times larger than American Eagle Outfitters by market value ($8.29B vs $2.96B).
- American Eagle Outfitters trades at a higher earnings multiple (9.1x vs 7.1x trailing P/E).
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 Gap
GAP stock →The Gap, Inc. operates as an apparel retail company in the United States, Canada, Japan, Taiwan, and internationally.
Consumer Discretionary · Clothing/Shoe/Accessory Stores · 79,000 employees
AEO vs GAP FAQ
Which is bigger, American Eagle Outfitters or Gap?
Gap (GAP) is larger, with a market capitalization of $8.29B compared with $2.96B for American Eagle Outfitters (AEO).
Which stock has performed better over the past year, AEO or GAP?
AEO returned +14.15% over the past 12 months, compared with +12.06% for GAP (price return, excluding dividends). Past performance does not predict future results.
Which has the lower P/E ratio, AEO or GAP?
GAP has the lower trailing P/E at 7.1, versus 9.1 for AEO. 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 Gap?
Gap has the higher yield at 2.88%, compared with 2.83% for American Eagle Outfitters.
Are American Eagle Outfitters and Gap in the same industry?
Yes. Both are classified in the Clothing/Shoe/Accessory Stores industry within the Consumer Discretionary sector.