American Eagle Outfitters, Inc. (AEO) vs Liquidity Services, Inc. (LQDT)

A side-by-side comparison of American Eagle Outfitters, Inc. and Liquidity Services, Inc. across valuation, profitability, dividends, and growth — built entirely from reported fundamentals, as of September 10, 2026. Differences are shown without an overall score or investment verdict.

Compare

Total returnAEO vs LQDT

growth of $100 · dividends reinvested · last 10y
AEO +3.6% (+0.4%/yr)LQDT +326.4% (+15.6%/yr)LQDT compounded faster over this window
100200300400Start $10020182020202220242026$104$426
AEO LQDT

AEO vs LQDT: by the numbers

  • AEO is the larger company ($2.52B vs $1.32B market cap).
  • AEO trades at the lower trailing earnings multiple (7.66 vs 41.66 P/E), one valuation lens rather than an overall verdict.
  • LQDT converts more revenue to profit (6.79% vs 5.91% net margin).
  • LQDT grew revenue faster over the past five years (15.03% vs 4.59% CAGR).
  • AEO pays a dividend (3.44% yield), while LQDT has no payments in the available dividend history.

Metrics side by side

Valuation

MetricAEOLQDT
P/E ratio7.6641.66
Forward P/E7.8625.75
P/S ratio0.442.71
P/B ratio1.435.62
EV / EBITDA5.7120.47
FCF yieldN/A6.79%

Profitability

MetricAEOLQDT
Gross margin38.15%46.56%
Operating margin9.34%9.00%
Net margin5.91%6.79%
ROE19.10%14.10%
ROIC10.69%11.85%

Dividends

MetricAEOLQDT
Dividend yield3.44%N/A
Payout ratio25.51%N/A

Growth (annualized)

MetricAEOLQDT
Revenue CAGR (5Y)4.59%15.03%
EPS CAGR (5Y)-0.15%N/A
FCF CAGR (5Y)29.29%9.39%
Total return CAGR (5Y)-9.11%11.35%

Frequently asked

Which has the lower trailing P/E, AEO or LQDT?
AEO has the lower trailing P/E: AEO trades at 7.66 and LQDT at 41.66. P/E is one valuation measure and does not by itself establish which business is cheaper.
Which has grown faster, AEO or LQDT?
Over the past five years, LQDT grew revenue faster — AEO at a 4.59% CAGR versus LQDT at 15.03%.
Does AEO or LQDT pay a bigger dividend?
AEO pays a dividend (3.44% yield), while LQDT has no payments in the available dividend history.
Is AEO or LQDT more profitable?
LQDT runs the higher net margin — AEO at 5.91% versus LQDT at 6.79%.
How have AEO and LQDT total returns compared?
Over the past 10 years, AEO delivered 0.49% and LQDT delivered 15.64% annualized total return. 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 September 10, 2026.