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.

Compare

Total returnAAOI vs PAYC

growth of $100 · dividends reinvested · last 10y
AAOI +502.7% (+19.7%/yr)PAYC +354.1% (+16.3%/yr)AAOI compounded faster over this window
05001kStart $10020182020202220242026$603$454
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

MetricAAOIPAYC
P/E ratioN/A24.62
Forward P/E142.6119.16
P/S ratio14.444.97
P/B ratio5.1618.61
EV / EBITDAN/A13.53
FCF yieldN/A7.10%

Profitability

MetricAAOIPAYC
Gross margin28.92%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

MetricAAOIPAYC
Dividend yieldN/A0.65%
Payout ratioN/A15.94%

Growth (annualized)

MetricAAOIPAYC
Revenue CAGR (5Y)20.68%18.10%
EPS CAGR (5Y)N/A26.70%
FCF CAGR (5Y)N/A36.07%
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.

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.