Applied Optoelectronics, Inc. (AAOI) vs Dropbox, Inc. (DBX)
A side-by-side comparison of Applied Optoelectronics, Inc. and Dropbox, Inc. across valuation, profitability, dividends, and growth — built entirely from reported fundamentals, as of October 2, 2026. Differences are shown without an overall score or investment verdict.
AAOI
Applied Optoelectronics, Inc.
$115.61TechnologyDelayed quote: Oct 2, 2026, 3:55 PM EDT
DBX
Dropbox, Inc.
$33.80TechnologyDelayed quote: Oct 2, 2026, 3:55 PM EDT
Total return — AAOI vs DBX
growth of $100 · dividends reinvested · last 9yAAOI +301.8% (+16.7%/yr)DBX +19.7% (+2.0%/yr)AAOI compounded faster over this window
AAOI DBX
AAOI vs DBX: by the numbers
- •AAOI is the larger company ($9.28B vs $8.60B market cap).
- •DBX is profitable (17.49% net margin) while AAOI runs a net loss (-9.57%).
- •AAOI grew revenue faster over the past five years (20.68% vs 4.48% CAGR).
Metrics side by side
Valuation
| Metric | AAOI | DBX |
|---|---|---|
| P/E ratio | N/A | 18.78 |
| Forward P/E | 156.23 | 11.05 |
| P/S ratio | 15.57 | 3.40 |
| P/B ratio | 5.56 | N/A |
| EV / EBITDA | N/A | 13.94 |
| FCF yield | N/A | 11.13% |
Profitability
| Metric | AAOI | DBX |
|---|---|---|
| Gross margin | 28.92% | 79.72% |
| Operating margin | -11.31% | 26.49% |
| Net margin | -9.57% | 17.49% |
| ROE | -3.42% | N/A |
| ROIC | -3.49% | 31.70% |
Growth (annualized)
| Metric | AAOI | DBX |
|---|---|---|
| Revenue CAGR (5Y) | 20.68% | 4.48% |
| FCF CAGR (5Y) | N/A | 7.39% |
| Total return CAGR (5Y) | 71.72% | 2.97% |
Frequently asked
- Which has grown faster, AAOI or DBX?
- Over the past five years, AAOI grew revenue faster — AAOI at a 20.68% CAGR versus DBX at 4.48%.
- Is AAOI or DBX more profitable?
- DBX runs the higher net margin — AAOI at -9.57% versus DBX at 17.49%.
- How have AAOI and DBX total returns compared?
- Over the past 5 years, AAOI delivered 71.72% and DBX delivered 2.97% annualized total return. Past performance doesn't predict future results.
Go deeper
Dig into the metrics
Dropbox P/E ratioApplied Optoelectronics ROEDropbox ROEApplied Optoelectronics operating marginDropbox operating marginApplied Optoelectronics revenue growthDropbox revenue growthApplied Optoelectronics free cash flowDropbox free cash flow
Applied Optoelectronics & Dropbox appear in these rankings
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 2, 2026.