Applied Optoelectronics, Inc. (AAOI) vs Paycom Software, Inc. (PAYC)
A side-by-side comparison of Applied Optoelectronics, Inc. and Paycom Software, Inc. across valuation, profitability, dividends, and growth — built entirely from reported fundamentals, as of September 8, 2026. Differences are shown without an overall score or investment verdict.
AAOI
Applied Optoelectronics, Inc.
$115.34TechnologyDelayed quote: Sep 8, 2026, 12:05 PM EDT
PAYC
Paycom Software, Inc.
$219.92TechnologyDelayed quote: Sep 8, 2026, 12:05 PM EDT
Total return — AAOI vs PAYC
growth of $100 · dividends reinvested · last 10yAAOI +502.7% (+19.7%/yr)PAYC +354.1% (+16.3%/yr)AAOI compounded faster over this window
AAOI PAYC
AAOI vs PAYC: by the numbers
- •PAYC is the larger company ($9.91B vs $9.25B market cap).
- •PAYC is profitable (22.78% net margin) while AAOI runs a net loss (-9.57%).
- •AAOI grew revenue faster over the past five years (20.68% vs 18.10% CAGR).
- •PAYC pays a dividend (0.65% yield), while AAOI has no payments in the available dividend history.
Metrics side by side
Valuation
| Metric | AAOI | PAYC |
|---|---|---|
| P/E ratio | N/A | 24.62 |
| Forward P/E | 142.61 | 19.16 |
| P/S ratio | 14.44 | 4.97 |
| P/B ratio | 5.16 | 18.61 |
| EV / EBITDA | N/A | 13.53 |
| FCF yield | N/A | 7.10% |
Profitability
| Metric | AAOI | PAYC |
|---|---|---|
| Gross margin | 28.92% | 80.11% |
| Operating margin | -11.31% | 30.30% |
| Net margin | -9.57% | 22.78% |
| ROE | -3.42% | 85.32% |
| ROIC | -3.49% | 23.60% |
Dividends
| Metric | AAOI | PAYC |
|---|---|---|
| Dividend yield | N/A | 0.65% |
| Payout ratio | N/A | 15.94% |
Growth (annualized)
| Metric | AAOI | PAYC |
|---|---|---|
| Revenue CAGR (5Y) | 20.68% | 18.10% |
| EPS CAGR (5Y) | N/A | 26.70% |
| FCF CAGR (5Y) | N/A | 36.07% |
| Total return CAGR (5Y) | 68.68% | -13.66% |
Frequently asked
- Which has grown faster, AAOI or PAYC?
- Over the past five years, AAOI grew revenue faster — AAOI at a 20.68% CAGR versus PAYC at 18.10%.
- Does AAOI or PAYC pay a bigger dividend?
- PAYC pays a dividend (0.65% yield), while AAOI has no payments in the available dividend history.
- Is AAOI or PAYC more profitable?
- PAYC runs the higher net margin — AAOI at -9.57% versus PAYC at 22.78%.
- How have AAOI and PAYC total returns compared?
- Over the past 10 years, AAOI delivered 19.67% and PAYC delivered 16.40% annualized total return. Past performance doesn't predict future results.
Go deeper
Dig into the metrics
Paycom Software P/E ratioPaycom Software dividend yieldApplied Optoelectronics ROEPaycom Software ROEApplied Optoelectronics operating marginPaycom Software operating marginApplied Optoelectronics revenue growthPaycom Software revenue growthApplied Optoelectronics free cash flowPaycom Software free cash flow
Applied Optoelectronics & Paycom Software 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 September 8, 2026.