American Eagle Outfitters, Inc. (AEO) vs Plexus Corp. (PLXS)

AEO leads on 11 of 15 compared metrics.

A side-by-side comparison of American Eagle Outfitters, Inc. and Plexus Corp. across valuation, profitability, dividends, and growth — built entirely from reported fundamentals, as of July 25, 2026. The ● marks the stronger figure on each row (cheaper multiple, higher margin/return).

Compare

Total returnAEO vs PLXS

growth of $100 · dividends reinvested · last 30y
AEO +3518.5%PLXS +7370.1%PLXS compounded faster
02k4k6k8kStart $100200120062011201620212026$3,618$7,470
AEO PLXS

AEO vs PLXS: by the numbers

  • PLXS is the larger company ($6.81B vs $2.85B market cap).
  • AEO trades at the lower earnings multiple (10.49 vs 37.20 P/E).
  • AEO converts more revenue to profit (5.01% vs 4.35% net margin).
  • AEO grew revenue faster over the past five years (5.72% vs 4.36% CAGR).
  • AEO pays a dividend (2.94% yield) while PLXS does not currently pay one.

Which is better, AEO or PLXS?

Metric tally: AEO 11 · PLXS 4

It depends on what you're optimizing for:

ValueAEO(lower P/E)
GrowthAEO(faster 5Y revenue CAGR)
QualityPLXS(higher ROIC)

Metrics side by side

Valuation

MetricAEOPLXS
P/E ratio10.4937.20
Forward P/E12.3231.04
P/S ratio0.521.62
P/B ratio1.784.67
PEG ratio0.40
EV / EBITDA7.3423.07
FCF yield0.51%1.09%

Profitability

MetricAEOPLXS
Gross margin34.76%10.05%
Operating margin7.57%5.17%
Net margin5.01%4.35%
ROE17.05%12.59%
ROIC6.98%11.13%

Dividends

MetricAEOPLXS
Dividend yield2.94%
Payout ratio44.64%

Growth (annualized)

MetricAEOPLXS
Revenue CAGR (5Y)5.72%4.36%
EPS CAGR (5Y)-0.15%10.10%
FCF CAGR (5Y)29.29%-18.53%
Total return CAGR (5Y)-10.71%24.12%

Frequently asked

Which is better, AEO or PLXS?
It depends on your goal. value: AEO (lower P/E); growth: AEO (faster 5Y revenue CAGR); quality: PLXS (higher ROIC). Across all compared metrics, AEO leads 11 to 4.
Is AEO or PLXS cheaper?
On trailing earnings, AEO is cheaper: AEO trades at a 10.49 P/E and PLXS at 37.20.
Which has grown faster, AEO or PLXS?
Over the past five years, AEO grew revenue faster — AEO at a 5.72% CAGR versus PLXS at 4.36%.
Does AEO or PLXS pay a bigger dividend?
AEO pays a dividend (2.94% yield) while PLXS does not currently pay one.
Is AEO or PLXS more profitable?
AEO runs the higher net margin — AEO at 5.01% versus PLXS at 4.35%.
Which has been the better investment, AEO or PLXS?
Over the past 10-year, PLXS delivered the higher annualized total return — AEO at 2.64% versus PLXS at 18.94%. 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 25, 2026.