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 July 28, 2026. Differences are shown without an overall score or investment verdict.

Compare

Total returnAEO vs LQDT

growth of $100 · dividends reinvested · last 20y
AEO +86.0%LQDT +217.0%LQDT compounded faster
0100200300400500Start $10020102014201820222026$186$317
AEO LQDT

AEO vs LQDT: by the numbers

  • AEO is the larger company ($3.04B vs $1.23B market cap).
  • AEO trades at the lower trailing earnings multiple (10.97 vs 41.89 P/E), one valuation lens rather than an overall verdict.
  • LQDT converts more revenue to profit (6.30% vs 5.01% net margin).
  • LQDT grew revenue faster over the past five years (16.76% vs 5.72% CAGR).
  • AEO pays a dividend (2.81% yield), while LQDT has no payments in the available dividend history.

Metrics side by side

Valuation

MetricAEOLQDT
P/E ratio10.9741.89
Forward P/E12.8825.89
P/S ratio0.552.62
P/B ratio1.865.67
PEG ratioN/A0.80
EV / EBITDA7.5521.25
FCF yield0.49%6.18%

Profitability

MetricAEOLQDT
Gross margin34.76%45.61%
Operating margin7.57%8.37%
Net margin5.01%6.30%
ROE17.05%13.62%
ROIC6.98%11.42%

Dividends

MetricAEOLQDT
Dividend yield2.81%N/A
Payout ratio44.64%N/A

Growth (annualized)

MetricAEOLQDT
Revenue CAGR (5Y)5.72%16.76%
EPS CAGR (5Y)-0.15%N/A
FCF CAGR (5Y)29.29%6.73%
Total return CAGR (5Y)-9.61%15.06%

Frequently asked

Which has the lower trailing P/E, AEO or LQDT?
AEO has the lower trailing P/E: AEO trades at 10.97 and LQDT at 41.89. 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 5.72% CAGR versus LQDT at 16.76%.
Does AEO or LQDT pay a bigger dividend?
AEO pays a dividend (2.81% 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 5.01% versus LQDT at 6.30%.
How have AEO and LQDT total returns compared?
Over the past 10 years, AEO delivered 2.96% and LQDT delivered 16.78% 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 July 28, 2026.