Applied Optoelectronics, Inc. (AAOI) vs DocuSign, Inc. (DOCU)
DOCU leads on 8 of 10 compared metrics.
A side-by-side comparison of Applied Optoelectronics, Inc. and DocuSign, Inc. across valuation, profitability, dividends, and growth — built entirely from reported fundamentals, as of July 2, 2026. The ● marks the stronger figure on each row (cheaper multiple, higher margin/return).
Total return — AAOI vs DOCU
growth of $100 · last 8yAAOI +241.8%DOCU +15.4%AAOI compounded faster
AAOI DOCU
AAOI vs DOCU: by the numbers
- •AAOI is the larger company ($9.71B vs $8.74B market cap).
- •DOCU is profitable (9.59% net margin) while AAOI runs a net loss (-8.55%).
- •AAOI grew revenue faster over the past five years (15.77% vs 15.12% CAGR).
Which is better, AAOI or DOCU?
Metric tally: AAOI 2 · DOCU 8It depends on what you're optimizing for:
GrowthAAOI(faster 5Y revenue CAGR)
QualityDOCU(higher ROIC)
Metrics side by side
Valuation
| Metric | AAOI | DOCU |
|---|---|---|
| P/E ratio | — | 29.88 |
| Forward P/E | 134.53 | 12.16● |
| P/S ratio | 20.83 | 2.75● |
| P/B ratio | 9.55 | 4.97● |
| EV / EBITDA | — | 14.35 |
| FCF yield | — | 12.39% |
Profitability
| Metric | AAOI | DOCU |
|---|---|---|
| Gross margin | 29.64% | 79.40%● |
| Operating margin | -11.57% | 10.64%● |
| Net margin | -8.55% | 9.59%● |
| ROE | -3.92% | 17.32%● |
| ROIC | -4.71% | 12.04%● |
Growth (annualized)
| Metric | AAOI | DOCU |
|---|---|---|
| Revenue CAGR (5Y) | 15.77%● | 15.12% |
| FCF CAGR (5Y) | — | 29.74% |
| Total return CAGR (5Y) | 68.93%● | -30.31% |
Frequently asked
- Which is better, AAOI or DOCU?
- It depends on your goal. growth: AAOI (faster 5Y revenue CAGR); quality: DOCU (higher ROIC). Across all compared metrics, DOCU leads 8 to 2.
- Which has grown faster, AAOI or DOCU?
- Over the past five years, AAOI grew revenue faster — AAOI at a 15.77% CAGR versus DOCU at 15.12%.
- Is AAOI or DOCU more profitable?
- DOCU runs the higher net margin — AAOI at -8.55% versus DOCU at 9.59%.
- Which has been the better investment, AAOI or DOCU?
- Over the past 5-year, AAOI delivered the higher annualized total return — AAOI at 26.24% versus DOCU at -30.31%. Past performance doesn't predict future results.
Go deeper
Dig into the metrics
Applied Optoelectronics P/E ratioDocuSign P/E ratioApplied Optoelectronics dividend yieldDocuSign dividend yieldApplied Optoelectronics ROEDocuSign ROEApplied Optoelectronics operating marginDocuSign operating marginApplied Optoelectronics revenue growthDocuSign revenue growthApplied Optoelectronics free cash flowDocuSign free cash flow
Applied Optoelectronics & DocuSign 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 July 2, 2026.