Applied Optoelectronics, Inc. (AAOI) vs Plexus Corp. (PLXS)

A side-by-side comparison of Applied Optoelectronics, Inc. and Plexus Corp. across valuation, profitability, dividends, and growth — built entirely from reported fundamentals, as of July 28, 2026. Differences are shown without an overall score or investment verdict.

Compare

Total returnAAOI vs PLXS

growth of $100 · dividends reinvested · last 13y
AAOI +882.1%PLXS +585.4%AAOI compounded faster
05001k2k2kStart $1002016201920222025$982$685
AAOI PLXS

AAOI vs PLXS: by the numbers

  • AAOI is the larger company ($7.07B vs $6.69B market cap).
  • PLXS is profitable (4.35% net margin) while AAOI runs a net loss (-8.55%).
  • AAOI grew revenue faster over the past five years (15.77% vs 4.36% CAGR).

Metrics side by side

Valuation

MetricAAOIPLXS
P/E ratioN/A37.04
Forward P/E94.6730.91
P/S ratio14.661.61
P/B ratio6.724.65
PEG ratioN/A0.40
EV / EBITDAN/A22.97
FCF yieldN/A1.09%

Profitability

MetricAAOIPLXS
Gross margin29.64%10.05%
Operating margin-11.57%5.17%
Net margin-8.55%4.35%
ROE-3.92%12.59%
ROIC-4.71%11.13%

Growth (annualized)

MetricAAOIPLXS
Revenue CAGR (5Y)15.77%4.36%
EPS CAGR (5Y)N/A10.10%
FCF CAGR (5Y)N/A-18.53%
Total return CAGR (5Y)68.47%24.14%

Frequently asked

Which has grown faster, AAOI or PLXS?
Over the past five years, AAOI grew revenue faster — AAOI at a 15.77% CAGR versus PLXS at 4.36%.
Is AAOI or PLXS more profitable?
PLXS runs the higher net margin — AAOI at -8.55% versus PLXS at 4.35%.
How have AAOI and PLXS total returns compared?
Over the past 10 years, AAOI delivered 22.61% and PLXS delivered 18.63% 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 July 28, 2026.