Is American Eagle Outfitters (AEO) Stock Outpacing Its Retail-Wholesale Peers This Year?

Company Performance - American Eagle Outfitters (AEO) has a year-to-date performance increase of 21.9%, outperforming the Retail-Wholesale sector average return of 10.7% [2][3] - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for AEO's full-year earnings has risen by 23.7% in the past quarter, indicating improved analyst sentiment [2] - AEO currently holds a Zacks Rank of 1 (Strong Buy), suggesting strong potential for future performance [2][3] Industry Comparison - AEO is part of the Retail - Apparel and Shoes industry, which has an average year-to-date gain of 19.1%, indicating AEO's superior performance within its industry [3] - In contrast, Burlington Stores (BURL), another outperforming stock in the Retail-Wholesale sector, has a year-to-date increase of 19.4% and also holds a Zacks Rank of 1 [2][3] - The Retail - Discount Stores industry, which includes Burlington Stores, has an average year-to-date performance of +11% [3]