MetaCap

American Eagle Outfitters (AEO) vs Genesco (GCO)

Head-to-head comparison of performance, valuation, growth, profitability and dividends. Prices delayed 15 minutes; data as of Oct 8, 2026.

Summary

Genesco (GCO) has outperformed American Eagle Outfitters (AEO) over the past year, gaining 28.7% versus a gain of 14.1%. Over five years, AEO leads with a -27.9% price change compared with -39.0% for GCO. American Eagle Outfitters is the larger company by market cap ($2.99 billion vs $398.4 million), about 7.5 times the size.

On valuation, American Eagle Outfitters trades at a lower forward P/E (9.3x vs 12.5x for Genesco). American Eagle Outfitters pays a dividend yielding 2.80%, while Genesco does not currently pay one.

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

Relative performance

AEO+14.08%GCO+28.73%
+87%+30%-28%
Oct 7, 20251 yearOct 7, 2026
AEO-29.05%GCO-37.06%
+27%-23%-74%
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 GCO key metrics
MetricAEOGCO
Share price$17.85$36.82
Market cap$2.99B$398.40M
1-day change+1.05%+0.96%
YTD return-33.03%+47.23%
1-year return+14.08%+28.73%
5-year return-27.86%-38.96%
P/E ratio (TTM)9.159.54
Forward P/E9.2812.48
EPS (TTM)$1.95$3.86
Dividend yield2.80%0.00%
Annual dividend$0.50$0.00
Revenue (latest FY)$5.55B—
Revenue growth (YoY)+4.10%—
Net income (latest FY)$191.98M—
Gross margin36.51%—
Operating margin4.08%—
Net margin3.46%—
52-week high$28.46$43.60
52-week low$14.06$21.93
Distance from 52-week high-37.30%-15.55%
Analyst consensusholdnone
Avg. price target upside+3.95%+7.74%
Average volume5.63M194.34K
Shares outstanding167.57M10.82M
Employees10,0004,800
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

  • American Eagle Outfitters is about 7.5 times larger than Genesco by market value ($2.99B vs $398.40M).
  • GCO has outperformed AEO by 14.7 percentage points over the past year.
  • American Eagle Outfitters offers a meaningfully higher dividend yield (2.80% 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 Genesco

GCO stock →

Genesco Inc. operates as a retailer and wholesaler of footwear, apparel, and accessories.

Consumer Discretionary · Clothing/Shoe/Accessory Stores · 4,800 employees

AEO vs GCO FAQ

Which is bigger, American Eagle Outfitters or Genesco?

American Eagle Outfitters (AEO) is larger, with a market capitalization of $2.99B compared with $398.40M for Genesco (GCO).

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

GCO returned +28.73% over the past 12 months, compared with +14.08% for AEO (price return, excluding dividends). Past performance does not predict future results.

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

AEO has the lower trailing P/E at 9.2, versus 9.5 for GCO. 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 Genesco?

American Eagle Outfitters pays a dividend yielding 2.80%, while Genesco does not currently pay a regular dividend.

Are American Eagle Outfitters and Genesco in the same industry?

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

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