Which has grown faster, AAOI or CGNX?

Over the past five years, AAOI grew revenue faster — AAOI at a 20.68% CAGR versus CGNX at 2.07%.

Does AAOI or CGNX pay a bigger dividend?

CGNX pays a dividend (0.53% yield), while AAOI has no payments in the available dividend history.

Is AAOI or CGNX more profitable?

CGNX runs the higher net margin — AAOI at -9.57% versus CGNX at 16.05%.

How have AAOI and CGNX total returns compared?

Over the past 10 years, AAOI delivered 17.99% and CGNX delivered 10.05% annualized total return. Past performance doesn't predict future results.

Applied Optoelectronics, Inc. (AAOI) vs Cognex Corporation (CGNX)

A side-by-side comparison of Applied Optoelectronics, Inc. and Cognex Corporation across valuation, profitability, dividends, and growth — built entirely from reported fundamentals, as of October 6, 2026. Differences are shown without an overall score or investment verdict.

AAOI

Applied Optoelectronics, Inc.

$10.44B

$130.16TechnologyDelayed quote: Oct 6, 2026, 4:00 PM EDT

CGNX

Cognex Corporation

$11.04B

$66.35TechnologyDelayed quote: Oct 6, 2026, 4:00 PM EDT

Total return — AAOI vs CGNX

growth of $100 · dividends reinvested · last 10y

AAOI +435.1% (+18.3%/yr)CGNX +163.2% (+10.2%/yr)AAOI compounded faster over this window

AAOI CGNX

AAOI vs CGNX: by the numbers

•CGNX is the larger company ($11.04B vs $10.44B market cap).
•CGNX is profitable (16.05% net margin) while AAOI runs a net loss (-9.57%).
•AAOI grew revenue faster over the past five years (20.68% vs 2.07% CAGR).
•CGNX pays a dividend (0.53% yield), while AAOI has no payments in the available dividend history.

Metrics side by side

Valuation

Metric	AAOI	CGNX
P/E ratio	N/A	64.42
Forward P/E	176.05	39.46
P/S ratio	17.53	10.14
P/B ratio	6.26	6.78
EV / EBITDA	N/A	40.50
FCF yield	N/A	2.43%

Profitability

Metric	AAOI	CGNX
Gross margin	28.92%	68.87%
Operating margin	-11.31%	21.90%
Net margin	-9.57%	16.05%
ROE	-3.42%	10.73%
ROIC	-3.49%	8.23%

Dividends

Metric	AAOI	CGNX
Dividend yield	N/A	0.53%
Payout ratio	N/A	33.01%

Growth (annualized)

Metric	AAOI	CGNX
Revenue CAGR (5Y)	20.68%	2.07%
EPS CAGR (5Y)	N/A	-7.79%
FCF CAGR (5Y)	N/A	0.66%
Total return CAGR (5Y)	77.67%	-3.81%

Frequently asked

Which has grown faster, AAOI or CGNX?: Over the past five years, AAOI grew revenue faster — AAOI at a 20.68% CAGR versus CGNX at 2.07%.
Does AAOI or CGNX pay a bigger dividend?: CGNX pays a dividend (0.53% yield), while AAOI has no payments in the available dividend history.
Is AAOI or CGNX more profitable?: CGNX runs the higher net margin — AAOI at -9.57% versus CGNX at 16.05%.
How have AAOI and CGNX total returns compared?: Over the past 10 years, AAOI delivered 17.99% and CGNX delivered 10.05% annualized total return. Past performance doesn't predict future results.

Go deeper

Full AAOI analysis Full CGNX analysis Interactive comparison tool

Dig into the metrics

Cognex P/E ratio Cognex dividend yield Applied Optoelectronics ROE Cognex ROE Applied Optoelectronics operating margin Cognex operating margin Applied Optoelectronics revenue growth Cognex revenue growth Applied Optoelectronics free cash flow Cognex free cash flow

Applied Optoelectronics & Cognex appear in these rankings

Fastest Revenue Growth Stocks Highest 10-Year Total Return Stocks

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 October 6, 2026.