American Eagle Outfitters (AEO) Exceeds Market Returns: Some Facts to Consider

Core Viewpoint - American Eagle Outfitters (AEO) is experiencing notable stock performance and is preparing for an upcoming earnings report, which is expected to show a significant decline in earnings per share compared to the previous year [1][2]. Company Performance - AEO's stock closed at $11.98, reflecting a 0.67% increase from the previous trading day, outperforming the S&P 500's gain of 0.41% [1]. - Over the last month, AEO's shares have increased by 15.76%, exceeding the Retail-Wholesale sector's gain of 9.47% and the S&P 500's gain of 9% [1]. Earnings Expectations - The upcoming earnings report on May 29, 2025, is expected to show an EPS of $0.11, which represents a 67.65% decline compared to the same quarter last year [2]. - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for revenue is projected at $1.08 billion, down 5.3% from the previous year [2]. Full-Year Estimates - For the full year, the Zacks Consensus Estimates predict earnings of $1.49 per share and revenue of $5.22 billion, indicating year-over-year changes of -14.37% and -1.97%, respectively [3]. Analyst Projections - Recent shifts in analyst projections for AEO are important for investors, as positive revisions indicate confidence in the company's performance and profit potential [4]. Zacks Rank and Performance - AEO currently holds a Zacks Rank of 3 (Hold), with the Zacks Consensus EPS estimate having decreased by 0.58% over the past month [6]. - The Zacks Rank system has a strong track record, with 1 stocks averaging an annual return of +25% since 1988 [6]. Valuation Metrics - AEO has a Forward P/E ratio of 8, which is below the industry average of 16.04 [7]. - The company also has a PEG ratio of 0.86, compared to the industry average PEG ratio of 1.58 [8]. Industry Context - The Retail - Apparel and Shoes industry, to which AEO belongs, ranks in the bottom 45% of all industries according to the Zacks Industry Rank [9].