American Eagle Outfitters Past Earnings Performance
Past criteria checks 3/6
American Eagle Outfitters's earnings have been declining at an average annual rate of -3.1%, while the Specialty Retail industry saw earnings declining at 6.9% annually. Revenues have been growing at an average rate of 3.2% per year. American Eagle Outfitters's return on equity is 18.8%, and it has net margins of 5.9%.
Key information
-3.08%
Earnings growth rate
-4.48%
EPS growth rate
| Specialty Retail Industry Growth | 26.64% |
| Revenue growth rate | 3.24% |
| Return on equity | 18.77% |
| Net Margin | 5.86% |
| Last Earnings Update | 01 Aug 2026 |
Recent past performance updates
Recent updates
Seeking Alpha • Sep 12
American Eagle Outfitters Q2 Review: Tariff Refunds Hid The Ugly Reality
Summary American Eagle Outfitters reported Q2 revenue growth of 9.4% y/y, but headline profitability was distorted by $179M in tariff refunds. The Aerie and OFFLINE brands are the primary growth levers, with Aerie comp sales up 19%, while the mainline AE brand continues to struggle with fashion missteps and margin pressure. Core operations remain weak: underlying gross and operating margins declined, free cash flow stayed negative even with tariff refunds, and inventory levels swelled. I maintain a neutral rating on AEO, awaiting operational clarity and margin normalization once tariff refund effects subside, expecting no near-term turnaround. Read the full article on Seeking Alpha
Narrative Update • Sep 10
AEO: Aerie Momentum And Tariff Refunds Will Support Future Upside
Analysts have modestly raised their blended price target for American Eagle Outfitters to about $19.55, with updates reflecting slightly adjusted revenue growth, profit margin and P/E assumptions following recent Q2 reviews and revised brand level outlooks. Analyst Commentary Recent research on American Eagle Outfitters shows a mixed but constructive debate around the stock, with price targets clustered in the mid to high teens and a wide range of views on how much value investors should place on the Aerie brand versus the flagship American Eagle business.Narrative Update • Jul 07
AEO: Aerie Strength And Confirmed Guidance Will Support Future Upside
The analyst price target for American Eagle Outfitters has been reset from about $23.89 to $19.50 as analysts factor in softer revenue growth and margin assumptions, along with mixed brand momentum, with Aerie strength set against a tougher backdrop for the core American Eagle business. Analyst Commentary Recent research on American Eagle Outfitters points to a split view, with many analysts resetting price targets but keeping ratings clustered around Neutral or equivalent.
Narrative Update • Jun 23
AEO: Aerie Strength Will Support Higher Future Earnings Multiple Despite Brand Headwinds
American Eagle Outfitters' analyst price target has been revised lower in this update, reflecting a series of Street reductions to a range of $16 to $31, as analysts weigh softer momentum at the core brand, continued strength at Aerie, and the impact of higher investments on near term profitability. Analyst Commentary Recent Street research on American Eagle Outfitters points to a more cautious stance on near term performance, but it also highlights areas where analysts see potential upside, especially around Aerie and the prospect of stabilizing the core American Eagle brand.Analysis Article • Jun 19
American Eagle Outfitters (AEO) Stock Could Be 25.4% Undervalued After Credit Facility Extension
American Eagle Outfitters (AEO) stock is back in focus after the company amended its $700 million asset-based credit facility and extended its maturity to 2031, while continuing to lean on Aerie for growth. See our latest analysis for American Eagle Outfitters. At a share price of $17.81, American Eagle Outfitters has seen a 1 month share price return of 15.95% and a 1 year total shareholder return of 91.95%. The year to date share price return is down 32.44%, suggesting improving momentum...Analysis Article • Jun 11
Shareholders Can Be Confident That American Eagle Outfitters' (NYSE:AEO) Earnings Are High Quality
American Eagle Outfitters, Inc.'s ( NYSE:AEO ) earnings announcement last week was disappointing for investors, despite...
Narrative Update • Jun 05
AEO: Q2 Execution And Aerie Strength Will Balance Core Brand Headwinds
Narrative Update: American Eagle Outfitters The analyst price target for American Eagle Outfitters has been reduced by $1, from $17.00 to $16.00. Analysts are factoring in lower revenue growth and profit margin assumptions, along with broadly reduced Street targets in the $16 to $22 range.Narrative Update • May 19
AEO: Holiday Margin Discipline And Solid Q4 Execution Will Support Bullish Outlook
Analysts have lowered the fair value estimate for American Eagle Outfitters to $17.00 from $19.00, reflecting slightly higher discount assumptions, modestly different revenue expectations, and updated sector price targets as inflation and consumer spending concerns affect specialty retail valuations. Analyst Commentary Recent Street research on American Eagle Outfitters points to a mixed backdrop, with several bearish analysts trimming price targets and flagging macro and execution risks even as they acknowledge areas of operational strength.Narrative Update • May 05
AEO: Aerie Momentum And Buybacks Will Support Higher Future Earnings Multiple
The updated analyst price target for American Eagle Outfitters moves from $21.50 to about $33.10. This reflects analysts' refreshed assumptions for slightly higher revenue growth, profit margins and a higher future P/E multiple, even as recent Street research stays mixed, with several firms trimming their targets while still pointing to ongoing Aerie strength and solid recent results.Narrative Update • Apr 21
AEO: Aerie Momentum And Share Repurchases Will Support Future Upside Potential
Analysts have adjusted their views on American Eagle Outfitters, with price targets now ranging from $19 to $25. This reflects updated models after Q4 results, continued Aerie strength, and a cautious stance given the broader macro backdrop.Narrative Update • Apr 06
AEO: Aerie Strength And Margin Discipline Will Support Future Upside Potential
Narrative Update: American Eagle Outfitters Analyst Price Target Shift The updated analyst price target for American Eagle Outfitters sits in a tighter $19 to $28 range, with several firms trimming or modestly lifting targets by $1 to $7 as analysts factor in solid recent results, Aerie brand resilience, tighter promotions, and a more uncertain macro backdrop into slightly lower growth and a modestly reduced future P/E assumption. Analyst Commentary Recent Street research on American Eagle Outfitters reflects a mix of optimism on execution and caution on the risk and reward trade off.Narrative Update • Mar 23
AEO: Aerie Execution And Margin Discipline Will Drive Bullish Outlook
Analysts have trimmed the consolidated price target for American Eagle Outfitters to about $23.89 from $25.78. This reflects a mix of reduced targets tied to a tougher macro backdrop and model resets after Q4, partly offset by support from Aerie strength, margin discipline and modest upward revisions from firms that remain Neutral on the stock.Narrative Update • Mar 09
AEO: Holiday Margin Discipline And Aerie Strength Will Shape Fairly Balanced Outlook
The analyst price target for American Eagle Outfitters has been reduced by $1 to $19. Analysts cited slightly lower modeled revenue growth and a higher discount rate, while still noting firm profit margins and a lower assumed future P/E multiple.Narrative Update • Feb 23
AEO: Holiday Margin Discipline Will Test Weak Brand Positioning Risk
Analysts have raised their blended price targets on American Eagle Outfitters to a range of $20 to $28, citing disciplined margins in a promotional retail environment and a holiday update that exceeded expectations, while also highlighting ongoing challenges related to brand positioning and demand visibility. Analyst Commentary Recent research points to a mixed setup for American Eagle Outfitters, with higher price targets sitting alongside cautious ratings and concerns about execution and growth visibility.Narrative Update • Feb 09
AEO: Holiday Earnings Will Expose Margin Risks In Promotional Retail Environment
Narrative Update The analyst price target for American Eagle Outfitters has been raised to $20 from $18. Analysts point to recent price target increases across several firms, commentary around solid holiday performance, disciplined margins in a promotional retail setting, and expectations for upcoming earnings as key supports for the new fair value estimate and the updated P/E and margin assumptions.Narrative Update • Jan 25
AEO: Holiday Execution And Margin Discipline Will Test Brand Momentum
Narrative Update on American Eagle Outfitters The updated analyst price target for American Eagle Outfitters moves to US$25.78 from US$22.88, as analysts point to a solid holiday update, disciplined promotions and inventory management, along with a revised future P/E assumption that aligns more closely with recent sector research. Analyst Commentary Recent Street research on American Eagle Outfitters reflects a mix of optimism around execution and caution around brand strength and sector risk.Narrative Update • Jan 10
AEO: Q3 Earnings Will Test Holiday Hype And Macro Tailwinds
Analysts have raised their price expectations for American Eagle Outfitters to a range of approximately $22 to $24, citing sector-wide optimism around inventory discipline, potential benefits from lower interest rates and gas prices, and a likely catalyst from the upcoming Q3 earnings update. Analyst Commentary Recent research points to a more balanced setup for American Eagle Outfitters, with some optimism around sector trends offset by lingering concerns about demand and execution risk.Narrative Update • Dec 24
AEO: Q3 Earnings Are Expected To Expose Overstretched Holiday Optimism
Analysts have raised their fair value estimate for American Eagle Outfitters from $10.00 to $18.00 per share. This reflects increased confidence in faster revenue growth, improved profit margins, and a more constructive outlook on the company’s future earnings multiple following recent positive price target revisions and expectations for a Q3 earnings catalyst.Narrative Update • Dec 10
AEO: Marketing Momentum And Q3 Earnings Are Expected To Test Margins
Analysts have raised their price target on American Eagle Outfitters by about $6.50 per share to approximately $22.90, citing expectations for stronger revenue growth, improving profit margins, a slightly lower discount rate, and a supportive earnings catalyst as justification for the higher valuation multiple. Analyst Commentary Bullish analysts highlight that the modest price target increase reflects growing confidence in the company’s ability to sustain revenue momentum while expanding margins, supporting a higher valuation multiple over the near to medium term.Analysis Article • Dec 02
American Eagle Outfitters, Inc. (NYSE:AEO) Stocks Shoot Up 27% But Its P/E Still Looks Reasonable
Despite an already strong run, American Eagle Outfitters, Inc. ( NYSE:AEO ) shares have been powering on, with a gain...Narrative Update • Nov 26
AEO: Marketing Campaign Momentum Will Face Margin Pressure Into Next Year
Analysts have modestly increased their price target for American Eagle Outfitters, with the fair value estimate edging up from $16.39 to $16.44. This reflects expectations for operational recovery and improved sales momentum highlighted in recent research notes.Narrative Update • Nov 12
AEO: Brand Campaigns And Margin Headwinds Will Shape Measured Outlook
American Eagle Outfitters' analyst price target has increased from $15.94 to $16.39. This reflects ongoing signs of stabilization, an improved Q2 performance, and renewed optimism around the Aerie brand.Analysis Article • Sep 20
American Eagle Outfitters (NYSE:AEO) Is Paying Out A Dividend Of $0.125
American Eagle Outfitters, Inc.'s ( NYSE:AEO ) investors are due to receive a payment of $0.125 per share on 29th of...Narrative Update • Sep 20
Expanding Aerie And OFFLINE Will Boost Engagement, But Consumer Uncertainty May Pose Challenges Ahead
American Eagle Outfitters’ price target was raised to $15.94 as analysts cited a strong Q2 EPS beat, operational recovery, and outperformance at Aerie, while noting ongoing cost headwinds may temper future upside. Analyst Commentary Strong Q2 EPS beat driven by lower promotional activity, disciplined spending, improved sell-through, and better gross margins.Analysis Article • Sep 17
Some May Be Optimistic About American Eagle Outfitters' (NYSE:AEO) Earnings
American Eagle Outfitters, Inc.'s ( NYSE:AEO ) recent soft profit numbers didn't appear to worry shareholders, as the...Narrative Update • Sep 05
Digital Channel Pressures And Rising Tariffs Will Erode Margins
Analysts have raised their price target for American Eagle Outfitters to $15.17, citing stronger Q2 results from improved sales, lower promotions, better inventory management, and successful brand initiatives, though some caution remains on margin pressures and sustainability. Analyst Commentary Bullish analysts highlight strong Q2 EPS beats driven by improved sales, lower promotional activity, and better inventory management.Analysis Article • Aug 20
American Eagle Outfitters, Inc.'s (NYSE:AEO) Price Is Right But Growth Is Lacking After Shares Rocket 27%
American Eagle Outfitters, Inc. ( NYSE:AEO ) shares have had a really impressive month, gaining 27% after a shaky...Revenue & Expenses Breakdown
Revenue & Expenses Breakdown
How American Eagle Outfitters makes and spends money. Based on latest reported earnings, on an LTM basis.
Earnings and Revenue History
| Date | Revenue | Earnings | G+A Expenses | R&D Expenses |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 01 Aug 26 | 5,750 | 337 | 1,593 | 0 |
| 02 May 26 | 5,653 | 280 | 1,523 | 0 |
| 31 Jan 26 | 5,547 | 192 | 1,486 | 0 |
| 01 Nov 25 | 5,341 | 208 | 1,469 | 0 |
| 02 Aug 25 | 5,267 | 197 | 1,434 | 0 |
| 03 May 25 | 5,274 | 197 | 1,437 | 0 |
| 01 Feb 25 | 5,329 | 329 | 1,432 | 0 |
| 02 Nov 24 | 5,403 | 231 | 1,457 | 0 |
| 03 Aug 24 | 5,415 | 248 | 1,468 | 0 |
| 04 May 24 | 5,325 | 219 | 1,454 | 0 |
| 03 Feb 24 | 5,262 | 170 | 1,433 | 0 |
| 28 Oct 23 | 5,079 | 218 | 1,358 | 0 |
| 29 Jul 23 | 5,018 | 203 | 1,307 | 0 |
| 29 Apr 23 | 5,016 | 112 | 1,283 | 0 |
| 28 Jan 23 | 4,990 | 125 | 1,269 | 0 |
| 29 Oct 22 | 5,002 | 121 | 1,267 | 0 |
| 30 Jul 22 | 5,035 | 192 | 1,270 | 0 |
| 30 Apr 22 | 5,031 | 356 | 1,256 | 0 |
| 29 Jan 22 | 5,011 | 420 | 1,222 | 0 |
| 30 Oct 21 | 4,795 | 373 | 1,164 | 0 |
| 31 Jul 21 | 4,553 | 279 | 1,124 | 0 |
| 01 May 21 | 4,242 | 143 | 1,054 | 0 |
| 30 Jan 21 | 3,759 | -209 | 977 | 0 |
| 31 Oct 20 | 3,781 | -208 | 972 | 0 |
| 01 Aug 20 | 3,816 | -185 | 958 | 0 |
| 02 May 20 | 3,974 | -107 | 987 | 0 |
| 01 Feb 20 | 4,308 | 191 | 1,029 | 0 |
| 02 Nov 19 | 4,238 | 263 | 1,031 | 0 |
| 03 Aug 19 | 4,175 | 267 | 1,020 | 0 |
| 04 May 19 | 4,099 | 263 | 1,001 | 0 |
| 02 Feb 19 | 4,036 | 262 | 981 | 0 |
| 03 Nov 18 | 4,020 | 280 | 956 | 0 |
| 04 Aug 18 | 3,977 | 258 | 925 | 0 |
| 05 May 18 | 3,857 | 219 | 895 | 0 |
| 03 Feb 18 | 3,796 | 204 | 880 | 0 |
| 28 Oct 17 | 3,664 | 165 | 858 | 0 |
| 29 Jul 17 | 3,644 | 177 | 861 | 0 |
| 29 Apr 17 | 3,622 | 197 | 857 | 0 |
| 28 Jan 17 | 3,610 | 212 | 858 | 0 |
| 29 Oct 16 | 3,618 | 240 | 1,140 | 0 |
| 30 Jul 16 | 3,597 | 233 | 1,141 | 0 |
| 30 Apr 16 | 3,572 | 225 | 1,137 | 0 |
| 30 Jan 16 | 3,522 | 213 | 835 | 0 |
| 31 Oct 15 | 3,488 | 202 | 828 | 0 |
Quality Earnings: AEO has a large one-off gain of $116.8M impacting its last 12 months of financial results to 1st August, 2026.
Growing Profit Margin: AEO's current net profit margins (5.9%) are higher than last year (3.7%).
Free Cash Flow vs Earnings Analysis
Past Earnings Growth Analysis
Earnings Trend: AEO's earnings have declined by 3.1% per year over the past 5 years.
Accelerating Growth: AEO's earnings growth over the past year (70.9%) exceeds its 5-year average (-3.1% per year).
Earnings vs Industry: AEO earnings growth over the past year (70.9%) exceeded the Specialty Retail industry 13.4%.
Return on Equity
High ROE: AEO's Return on Equity (18.8%) is considered low.
Return on Assets
Return on Capital Employed
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Company Analysis and Financial Data Status
| Data | Last Updated (UTC time) |
|---|---|
| Company Analysis | 2026/09/15 21:32 |
| End of Day Share Price | 2026/09/15 00:00 |
| Earnings | 2026/08/01 |
| Annual Earnings | 2026/01/31 |
Data Sources
The data used in our company analysis is from S&P Global Market Intelligence LLC. The following data is used in our analysis model to generate this report. Data is normalised which can introduce a delay from the source being available.
| Package | Data | Timeframe | Example US Source * |
|---|---|---|---|
| Company Financials | 10 years |
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| Analyst Consensus Estimates | +3 years |
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| Market Prices | 30 years |
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| Ownership | 10 years |
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| Management | 10 years |
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| Key Developments | 10 years |
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* Example for US securities, for non-US equivalent regulatory forms and sources are used.
Unless specified all financial data is based on a yearly period but updated quarterly. This is known as Trailing Twelve Month (TTM) or Last Twelve Month (LTM) Data. Learn more.
Analysis Model and Snowflake
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Learn about the who designed and built the Simply Wall St analysis model.
Industry and Sector Metrics
Our industry and section metrics are calculated every 6 hours by Simply Wall St, details of our process are available on Github.
Analyst Sources
American Eagle Outfitters, Inc. is covered by 38 analysts. 13 of those analysts submitted the estimates of revenue or earnings used as inputs to our report. Analysts submissions are updated throughout the day.
| Analyst | Institution |
|---|---|
| Matthew McClintock | Barclays |
| Adrienne Yih-Tennant | Barclays |
| Lorraine Corrine Hutchinson | BofA Global Research |