American Eagle Outfitters, Inc. (AEO) vs LKQ Corporation (LKQ)

LKQ leads on 9 of 16 compared metrics, though AEO is the cheaper stock.

A side-by-side comparison of American Eagle Outfitters, Inc. and LKQ Corporation across valuation, profitability, dividends, and growth — built entirely from reported fundamentals, as of June 17, 2026. The ● marks the stronger figure on each row (cheaper multiple, higher margin/return).

Compare

Total return — AEO vs LKQ

growth of $100 · last 23y
AEO +270.0%LKQ +1295.7%LKQ compounded faster
01k2k3kStart $10020072011201520192023$370$1,396
AEO LKQ

AEO vs LKQ: by the numbers

  • LKQ is the larger company ($6.68B vs $2.94B market cap).
  • AEO trades at the lower earnings multiple (10.83 vs 13.05 P/E).
  • AEO converts more revenue to profit (5.01% vs 3.71% net margin).
  • AEO grew revenue faster over the past five years (5.72% vs 3.37% CAGR).
  • LKQ pays the higher dividend yield (4.57% vs 2.85%).

Which is better, AEO or LKQ?

Metric tally: AEO 7 · LKQ 9

It depends on what you're optimizing for:

ValueAEO(lower P/E)
GrowthAEO(faster 5Y revenue CAGR)
IncomeLKQ(higher dividend yield)
QualityAEO(higher ROIC)

Metrics side by side

Valuation

MetricAEOLKQ
P/E ratio10.8313.05
Forward P/E12.718.84
P/S ratio0.540.48
P/B ratio1.841.04
PEG ratio5.73
EV / EBITDA8.108.44
FCF yield0.49%12.03%

Profitability

MetricAEOLKQ
Gross margin34.76%37.68%
Operating margin7.57%7.30%
Net margin5.01%3.71%
ROE17.05%8.00%
ROIC6.98%6.60%

Dividends

MetricAEOLKQ
Dividend yield2.85%4.57%
Payout ratio44.64%51.06%

Growth (annualized)

MetricAEOLKQ
Revenue CAGR (5Y)5.72%3.37%
EPS CAGR (5Y)-0.15%2.28%
FCF CAGR (5Y)-44.42%-12.79%
Total return CAGR (5Y)-10.28%-9.32%

Frequently asked

Which is better, AEO or LKQ?
It depends on your goal. value: AEO (lower P/E); growth: AEO (faster 5Y revenue CAGR); income: LKQ (higher dividend yield); quality: AEO (higher ROIC). Across all compared metrics, LKQ leads 9 to 7.
Is AEO or LKQ cheaper?
On trailing earnings, AEO is cheaper: AEO trades at a 10.83 P/E and LKQ at 13.05.
Which has grown faster, AEO or LKQ?
Over the past five years, AEO grew revenue faster — AEO at a 5.72% CAGR versus LKQ at 3.37%.
Does AEO or LKQ pay a bigger dividend?
AEO yields 2.85% and LKQ yields 4.57% based on trailing dividends and the latest price.
Is AEO or LKQ more profitable?
AEO runs the higher net margin — AEO at 5.01% versus LKQ at 3.71%.
Which has been the better investment, AEO or LKQ?
Over the past 10-year, AEO delivered the higher annualized total return — AEO at 4.41% versus LKQ at -0.85%. Past performance doesn't predict future results.

Figures are sourced from reported fundamentals and the latest end-of-day price. This comparison is informational only and is not investment advice. Past performance does not predict future results. See our methodology. Compiled by TGMCharts Research · data verified June 17, 2026.