WallStSmart

American Eagle Outfitters Inc (AEO)vsThe Gap, Inc. (GAP)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

The Gap, Inc. generates 172% more annual revenue ($15.40B vs $5.65B). GAP leads profitability with a 6.3% profit margin vs 5.0%. GAP appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.28. GAP earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 69/100 (B-).

AEO

Buy

51

out of 100

Grade: C-

Growth: 4.0Profit: 5.0Value: 6.0Quality: 6.0
Piotroski: 2/9Altman Z: 3.08

GAP

Strong Buy

69

out of 100

Grade: B-

Growth: 5.3Profit: 6.0Value: 6.0Quality: 5.5
Piotroski: 3/9Altman Z: 2.40
IV

Intrinsic Value Comparison

Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula

AEOUndervalued (+10.7%)

Margin of Safety

+10.7%

Fair Value

$26.70

Current Price

$16.44

$10.26 discount

UndervaluedFair: $26.70Overvalued
GAPSignificantly Overvalued (-25.8%)

Margin of Safety

-25.8%

Fair Value

$21.83

Current Price

$21.56

$0.27 premium

UndervaluedFair: $21.83Overvalued

Key Strengths & Concerns

Side-by-side fundamental analysis

Key Strengths

AEO3 strengths · Avg: 9.3/10
P/E RatioValuation
11.8x10/10

Attractively priced relative to earnings

Altman Z-ScoreHealth
3.0810/10

Safe zone — low bankruptcy risk

Price/BookValuation
1.7x8/10

Reasonable price relative to book value

GAP4 strengths · Avg: 9.3/10
P/E RatioValuation
8.7x10/10

Attractively priced relative to earnings

EPS GrowthGrowth
76.5%10/10

Earnings expanding 76.5% YoY

Return on EquityProfitability
21.5%9/10

Every $100 of equity generates 21 in profit

Price/BookValuation
2.1x8/10

Reasonable price relative to book value

Areas to Watch

AEO4 concerns · Avg: 3.0/10
Profit MarginProfitability
5.0%3/10

5.0% margin — thin

Operating MarginProfitability
2.4%3/10

Operating margin of 2.4%

Debt/EquityHealth
1.143/10

Elevated debt levels

Piotroski F-ScoreQuality
2/93/10

Weak financial health signals

GAP4 concerns · Avg: 3.3/10
Revenue GrowthGrowth
1.0%4/10

1.0% revenue growth

Profit MarginProfitability
6.3%3/10

6.3% margin — thin

Debt/EquityHealth
1.543/10

Elevated debt levels

Piotroski F-ScoreQuality
3/93/10

Weak financial health signals

Comparative Analysis Report

WallStSmart Research

Bull Case : AEO

The strongest argument for AEO centers on P/E Ratio, Altman Z-Score, Price/Book.

Bull Case : GAP

The strongest argument for GAP centers on P/E Ratio, EPS Growth, Return on Equity. PEG of 1.28 suggests the stock is reasonably priced for its growth.

Bear Case : AEO

The primary concerns for AEO are Profit Margin, Operating Margin, Debt/Equity. Thin 5.0% margins leave little buffer for downturns.

Bear Case : GAP

The primary concerns for GAP are Revenue Growth, Profit Margin, Debt/Equity. Debt-to-equity of 1.54 is elevated, increasing financial risk.

Key Dynamics to Monitor

GAP carries more volatility with a beta of 2.01 — expect wider price swings.

AEO is growing revenue faster at 9.7% — sustainability is the question.

GAP generates stronger free cash flow (78M), providing more financial flexibility.

Monitor APPAREL RETAIL industry trends, competitive dynamics, and regulatory changes.

Bottom Line

GAP scores higher overall (69/100 vs 51/100). Both earn "Strong Buy" and "Buy" ratings respectively — the choice depends on your investment horizon and risk tolerance.

This analysis is generated from publicly available financial data. Not financial advice.

American Eagle Outfitters Inc

CONSUMER CYCLICAL · APPAREL RETAIL · USA

American Eagle Outfitters, Inc. is a specialty retailer offering clothing, accessories, and personal care products under the American Eagle and Aerie brand names. The company is headquartered in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

The Gap, Inc.

CONSUMER CYCLICAL · APPAREL RETAIL · USA

The Gap, Inc. is a prominent global apparel retailer founded in 1969, known for its diverse portfolio of iconic brands including Gap, Banana Republic, Old Navy, and Athleta. Headquartered in San Francisco, the company services over 40 countries and prioritizes quality, value, and style for a broad customer demographic. As it navigates the dynamic retail landscape, Gap is committed to enhancing its digital transformation and sustainability efforts, aiming to bolster its e-commerce presence while pursuing innovative product offerings and strategic growth initiatives to sustain its competitive advantage.

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