Applied Optoelectronics, Inc. (AAOI) vs Trimble Inc. (TRMB)

TRMB leads on 8 of 10 compared metrics.

A side-by-side comparison of Applied Optoelectronics, Inc. and Trimble Inc. across valuation, profitability, dividends, and growth — built entirely from reported fundamentals, as of June 24, 2026. The ● marks the stronger figure on each row (cheaper multiple, higher margin/return).

Compare

Total return — AAOI vs TRMB

growth of $100 · last 13y
AAOI +1380.3%TRMB +65.2%AAOI compounded faster
Log scale — wide-divergence pair
101001k10kStart $1002016201920222025$1,480$165
AAOI TRMB

AAOI vs TRMB: by the numbers

  • TRMB is the larger company ($11.47B vs $11.35B market cap).
  • TRMB is profitable (12.37% net margin) while AAOI runs a net loss (-8.55%).
  • AAOI grew revenue faster over the past five years (15.77% vs 2.60% CAGR).

Which is better, AAOI or TRMB?

Metric tally: AAOI 2 · TRMB 8

It depends on what you're optimizing for:

GrowthAAOI(faster 5Y revenue CAGR)
QualityTRMB(higher ROIC)

Metrics side by side

Valuation

MetricAAOITRMB
P/E ratio25.89
Forward P/E142.7015.92
P/S ratio22.103.16
P/B ratio10.132.07
PEG ratio10.11
EV / EBITDA15.68
FCF yield2.17%

Profitability

MetricAAOITRMB
Gross margin29.64%68.06%
Operating margin-11.57%17.82%
Net margin-8.55%12.37%
ROE-3.92%8.09%
ROIC-4.71%6.48%

Growth (annualized)

MetricAAOITRMB
Revenue CAGR (5Y)15.77%2.60%
EPS CAGR (5Y)2.56%
FCF CAGR (5Y)-18.28%
Total return CAGR (5Y)75.94%-9.10%

Frequently asked

Which is better, AAOI or TRMB?
It depends on your goal. growth: AAOI (faster 5Y revenue CAGR); quality: TRMB (higher ROIC). Across all compared metrics, TRMB leads 8 to 2.
Which has grown faster, AAOI or TRMB?
Over the past five years, AAOI grew revenue faster — AAOI at a 15.77% CAGR versus TRMB at 2.60%.
Is AAOI or TRMB more profitable?
TRMB runs the higher net margin — AAOI at -8.55% versus TRMB at 12.37%.
Which has been the better investment, AAOI or TRMB?
Over the past 10-year, AAOI delivered the higher annualized total return — AAOI at 30.58% versus TRMB at 5.88%. 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 June 24, 2026.