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.

Compare

Total return — AAOI vs DBX

growth of $100 · dividends reinvested · last 9y
AAOI +301.8% (+16.7%/yr)DBX +19.7% (+2.0%/yr)AAOI compounded faster over this window
0200400600800Start $1002020202220242026$402$120
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

MetricAAOIDBX
P/E ratioN/A18.78
Forward P/E156.2311.05
P/S ratio15.573.40
P/B ratio5.56N/A
EV / EBITDAN/A13.94
FCF yieldN/A11.13%

Profitability

MetricAAOIDBX
Gross margin28.92%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)

MetricAAOIDBX
Revenue CAGR (5Y)20.68%4.48%
FCF CAGR (5Y)N/A7.39%
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.

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.