American Eagle Outfitters Inc logo

American Eagle Outfitters Inc(AEO)

upturn advisory logo
EXPLORE ADVISORIES AND THEIR HISTORY
QUALITY SIGNAL RECENCY
1-STAR RATING
Consider higher Upturn Star rating
BUY for 14 days
PROFIT SINCE LAST BUY
-0.5% ▼
LAST CLOSE
$17.89
10/22/2026
(24-hour delay)

Advisory History & Simulated Performance *

*as per simulation (see disclosures)
  • ALL
  • 1Y
  • 1M
  • 1W
  • BUY Advisory
  • SELL Advisory (Profit)
  • SELL Advisory (Loss)
  • Profit
  • Loss
  • PASS (Skip)
Upturn Stock price based on last close iconStock price based on last close
Simulated performance—not actual client returns. Excludes advisory subscription fees, trading commissions, and taxes, which would reduce returns. Results depend on calculation assumptions and do not guarantee future outcomes. See Disclosures for full methodology, assumptions, and limitations.

Advisory Performance History (Simulated)Advisory Performance History info

Simulated performance—not actual client returns. Excludes advisory subscription fees, trading commissions, and taxes, which would reduce returns. Results depend on calculation assumptions and do not guarantee future outcomes. See Disclosures for full methodology, assumptions, and limitations.

Upturn Advisory & Investor View for AEO

10/22/2026: AEO (1-star) has a low Upturn Star Rating. Not recommended to BUY.

American Eagle Outfitters is a established specialty apparel retailer best known for its core casual clothing and the high-growth Aerie brand. The company's strengths lie in its successful brand differentiation and robust omnichannel capabilities that bridge the gap between physical and digital shopping. Its primary growth story revolves around the continued scaling of Aerie and ongoing supply chain optimizations. However, investors must monitor risks such as high fashion-trend sensitivity, mall-traffic reliance, and competitive pressure from fast-fashion incumbents. The stock may best suit investors looking for value or growth exposure in the retail sector, with the dividend offering modest income potential.

How to Read the Upturn Advisory

The Upturn Star Rating and the current BUY, SELL, or PASS advisory are generated by Upturn’s AI advisory engine based on proprietary signal analysis, price behavior, advisory history, and historical signal performance.

Company fundamentals, valuation, risks, and news provide supporting context about the business.

Investor Fit

Investor styleFitWhy
Growth investorMixed fitWhile Aerie provides growth, the legacy brand matures, leading to moderate total growth expectations.
Momentum investorStrong fit while signal remains positiveMomentum investors may favor the stock when Aerie's quarterly growth exceeds consensus estimates.
Value investorStrong fitThe stock often trades at a reasonable multiple compared to historical averages for specialty retail.
Dividend investorMixed fitDividend yields are generally reliable but lack the high-growth profile often sought by aggressive income investors.
Low-risk investorWeak fitThe retail sector is prone to high volatility based on consumer confidence and fashion trend cycles.

Risk Profile

Risk factorLevelWhy it matters
Price volatilityMedium / highRetail stocks frequently fluctuate based on seasonal sales results and broader consumer sentiment.
Valuation riskMediumInvestors must account for potential multiple compression if sales growth decelerates.
Competition risk (fast fashion)HighAggressive pricing and trend adoption by fast-fashion competitors can erode margins.
Business qualityMediumThe company relies on successful execution of brand-specific merchandising cycles.
Dividend incomeMediumDividends can be impacted by changes in capital allocation priorities during challenging economic times.
Execution riskMediumOperating a large store fleet while scaling digital fulfillment requires operational precision.

Price Behavior

Downtrend
PRICE PATH

Downtrend

The stock has experienced a sustained decline in price over recent periods.

Choppy
PRICE STABILITY

Choppy

The stock has experienced frequent reversals and pronounced short-term price swings.

Analysis of Past Performance

Type Stock
Historic Profit 27.61%
Avg. Invested days 33
Today’s Advisory Consider higher Upturn Star rating
Upturn Advisory Rating upturn star rating icon
Upturn Advisory Performance Upturn Advisory Performance icon 2.0
Stock Returns Performance Upturn Returns Performance icon 3.0
Upturn Profits based on simulation icon Profits based on simulation
Upturn last close icon Last Close 10/22/2026

Upturn Scorecard

Upturn Star Rating

★★★★★
AEO receives a 3-star rating based on the available scored pillars. The rating is constrained by soft unit economics, weak price momentum, and limited analyst upside.

Company Fundamentals

★★★★★
AEO has moderate overall fundamentals (3 stars), with moderate financial health, soft growth momentum, and strong ownership. In FY2026 versus FY2025, growth and ownership metrics are mixed: negative earnings growth (-41.7%), soft cash generation (FCF margin 3.6%), moderate revenue growth (+3.2%).

Financial Health Rating

★★★★★
AEO's financial health is supported by solid cash strength, including free-cash-flow generation (3.6% of revenue). Profitability is soft (2 stars), which helps explain the 3-star overall score.

Growth Momentum Score

★★★★★
Revenue growth is AEO's strongest growth driver at +3.2% FY2026 versus FY2025 (moderate, 3 stars). By comparison, while earnings growth (-41.7%, negative) and free-cash-flow growth (-23.2%, negative) hold the profile back, so recent growth is not broad-based across the business.

Ownership

★★★★★
Institutional ownership is 103.2% and approximately 93.0% of outstanding shares are publicly tradable, supporting liquidity and institutional participation. Insider ownership of 8.95% supports management-shareholder alignment.

Top 5 Institutional Investors

BlackRock Inc 15.91%
Vanguard Portfolio Management, LLC 7.01%
Dimensional Fund Advisors, Inc. 6.12%
State Street Corp 4.09%
Vanguard Capital Management, LLC 4.08%

Unit Economics (Per $1K Revenue)

★★★★★
AEO generates approximately $330 of gross profit, $60 of operating income, and $36 of free cash flow for every $1,000 of revenue. Based on FY2026 results. Soft margins explain the 2-star rating, with moderate cash conversion and soft capital efficiency.

Economic Dimensions

★★★★★
Effective Tax Rate: 25.61%

Quantitative Style Profile

★★★★★
AEO has a liquid profile. Weak momentum is the primary drawback, while elevated volatility.

Style Classification

Quality Focused

Value-OrientedHigh VolatilitySmall / Mid Cap RiskShort Squeeze RiskHighly Liquid / Institution-Friendly

Key Highlights

Company Size Mid-Cap Stock
Market Capitalization 2.91B USD
Price to earnings Ratio 8.91
1Y Target Price 18.6
Price to earnings Ratio 8.91
1Y Target Price 18.6
Volume (30-day avg) 5.4M shares
Beta 1.26
52 Weeks Range 14.00 - 27.74
Updated Date 10/22/2026
52 Weeks Range 14.00 - 27.74
Updated Date 10/22/2026
Dividends yield (FY) 2.81%
Basic EPS (TTM) 1.95

How Company Makes Money

Business areaWhat it includesRetail investor read
American Eagle BrandCasual apparel, denim, and accessories sold through physical stores and online channels.This is the stable, core revenue driver that provides consistent cash flow.
Aerie BrandIntimates, loungewear, and activewear focusing on inclusivity and comfort.This is the primary growth engine and profit driver for the company.
GeographyPredominantly North American operations with an emerging focus on selective international expansion.Revenue is heavily tied to the health of the North American consumer.

Analyzing Revenue: Products, Geography and Growth

Revenue by Products

Product revenue - Year on Year

Revenue by Geography

Geography revenue - Year on Year

Advertisement

Valuation

Trailing PE 8.91
Forward PE 11.29
Enterprise Value 4.44B
Price to Sales(TTM) 0.51
Enterprise Value 4.44B
Price to Sales(TTM) 0.51
Enterprise Value to Revenue 0.77
Enterprise Value to EBITDA 5.9
Shares Outstanding 167.57M
Shares Floating 155.87M
Shares Outstanding 167.57M
Shares Floating 155.87M
Percent Insiders 8.95
Percent Institutions 103.2

Financial Metrics

🧭 Investment Snapshot

Total Revenue (Scale)

Information icon Total money earned from selling products or services before any costs. It is needed to understand the scale of the business and its ability to generate income.

Net Income (Profit)

Information icon Final profit after all expenses, interest, and taxes are deducted. It is needed to determine the overall profitability available to shareholders.

Free Cash Flow (Cash Strength)

Information icon Cash remaining after operating activities and capital expenditures, showing cash available for growth. It is needed to evaluate the company’s ability to invest, pay dividends, or reduce debt.

📈 Growth & Strength

Operating Income (Core Profit)

Information icon Profit from core operations after deducting all operating expenses. It is needed to measure how efficiently the company runs its primary business activities.

EBITDA (Cash Earnings)

Information icon Earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization, indicating operating cash potential. It is needed to compare operating performance across companies without accounting or financing differences.

Gross Profit (Unit Profitability)

Information icon Revenue minus cost of revenue, showing profit after direct production costs. It is needed to evaluate core business profitability before overhead expenses.

🛡️ Financial Safety

Cash (Liquidity Buffer)

Information icon Total cash and cash equivalents on hand. It is needed to evaluate immediate liquidity and financial flexibility.

Total Debt (Leverage Risk)

Information icon Total debt including both short-term and long-term components. It is needed to assess the company’s leverage and financial risk.

Net Working Capital (Short-Term Health)

Information icon Current assets minus current liabilities, indicating short-term liquidity strength. It is needed to assess whether the company can meet its short-term obligations.

🧱 Balance Sheet Strength

Stockholder Equity (Net Worth)

Information icon Total equity value held by shareholders. It is needed to understand the net worth of the company from the owners’ perspective.

Total Assets (Asset Base)

Information icon The full value of everything the company owns, including cash, inventory, equipment, and investments. It is needed to understand the resource base used to generate revenue.

Income Before Tax (Pre-Tax Earnings)

Information icon Income before provision for income taxes. It is needed to analyze profitability independent of tax structures.

⚙️ Cost & Drag Factors

Cost of Revenue (Production Cost)

Information icon Direct costs required to produce and deliver the products or services sold. It is needed to assess efficiency in production and service delivery.

Total Operating Expenses (Operating Cost)

Information icon Indirect costs of running the business such as salaries, marketing, and administration. It is needed to understand how much it costs to sustain ongoing business operations.

Income Tax Expense (Tax Drag)

Information icon Amount of taxes paid or payable to the government. It is needed to evaluate the impact of taxation on overall profitability.

Form CRS provides a relationship summary of our automated advisory services, flat subscription fees, and conflicts of interest. Form ADV Part 2A brochure contains complete details on services, billing, and disclosures. If any summary differs from our current regulatory filings, the filed Form ADV controls.