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.
AAOI
Applied Optoelectronics, Inc.
$88.14TechnologyDelayed quote: Jul 28, 2026, 4:00 PM EDT
PLXS
Plexus Corp.
$250.08TechnologyDelayed quote: Jul 28, 2026, 4:00 PM EDT
Total return — AAOI vs PLXS
growth of $100 · dividends reinvested · last 13yAAOI +882.1%PLXS +585.4%AAOI compounded faster
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
| Metric | AAOI | PLXS |
|---|---|---|
| P/E ratio | N/A | 37.04 |
| Forward P/E | 94.67 | 30.91 |
| P/S ratio | 14.66 | 1.61 |
| P/B ratio | 6.72 | 4.65 |
| PEG ratio | N/A | 0.40 |
| EV / EBITDA | N/A | 22.97 |
| FCF yield | N/A | 1.09% |
Profitability
| Metric | AAOI | PLXS |
|---|---|---|
| Gross margin | 29.64% | 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)
| Metric | AAOI | PLXS |
|---|---|---|
| Revenue CAGR (5Y) | 15.77% | 4.36% |
| EPS CAGR (5Y) | N/A | 10.10% |
| 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.
Go deeper
Dig into the metrics
Applied Optoelectronics P/E ratioPlexus P/E ratioApplied Optoelectronics dividend yieldPlexus dividend yieldApplied Optoelectronics ROEPlexus ROEApplied Optoelectronics operating marginPlexus operating marginApplied Optoelectronics revenue growthPlexus revenue growthApplied Optoelectronics free cash flowPlexus free cash flow
Applied Optoelectronics & Plexus 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 28, 2026.