Which has grown faster, AAOI or PCTY?

Over the past five years, PCTY grew revenue faster — AAOI at a 20.68% CAGR versus PCTY at 22.75%.

Is AAOI or PCTY more profitable?

PCTY runs the higher net margin — AAOI at -9.57% versus PCTY at 15.23%.

How have AAOI and PCTY total returns compared?

Over the past 10 years, AAOI delivered 24.68% and PCTY delivered 13.63% annualized total return. Past performance doesn't predict future results.

Applied Optoelectronics, Inc. (AAOI) vs Paylocity Holding Corporation (PCTY)

A side-by-side comparison of Applied Optoelectronics, Inc. and Paylocity Holding Corporation across valuation, profitability, dividends, and growth — built entirely from reported fundamentals, as of August 24, 2026. Differences are shown without an overall score or investment verdict.

AAOI

Applied Optoelectronics, Inc.

$8.64B

$107.63TechnologyDelayed quote: Aug 24, 2026, 4:00 PM EDT

PCTY

Paylocity Holding Corporation

$8.16B

$152.45TechnologyDelayed quote: Aug 24, 2026, 4:00 PM EDT

Total return — AAOI vs PCTY

growth of $100 · dividends reinvested · last 10y

AAOI +837.8% (+25.1%/yr)PCTY +255.6% (+13.5%/yr)AAOI compounded faster over this window

AAOI PCTY

AAOI vs PCTY: by the numbers

•AAOI is the larger company ($8.64B vs $8.16B market cap).
•PCTY is profitable (15.23% net margin) while AAOI runs a net loss (-9.57%).
•PCTY grew revenue faster over the past five years (22.75% vs 20.68% CAGR).

Metrics side by side

Valuation

Metric	AAOI	PCTY
P/E ratio	N/A	31.17
Forward P/E	168.68	18.93
P/S ratio	17.08	4.74
P/B ratio	6.10	6.88
EV / EBITDA	N/A	16.57
FCF yield	N/A	5.33%

Profitability

Metric	AAOI	PCTY
Gross margin	28.92%	69.19%
Operating margin	-11.31%	21.79%
Net margin	-9.57%	15.23%
ROE	-3.42%	22.08%
ROIC	-3.49%	18.36%

Growth (annualized)

Metric	AAOI	PCTY
Revenue CAGR (5Y)	20.68%	22.75%
EPS CAGR (5Y)	N/A	30.87%
FCF CAGR (5Y)	N/A	38.86%
Total return CAGR (5Y)	79.88%	-9.47%

Frequently asked

Which has grown faster, AAOI or PCTY?: Over the past five years, PCTY grew revenue faster — AAOI at a 20.68% CAGR versus PCTY at 22.75%.
Is AAOI or PCTY more profitable?: PCTY runs the higher net margin — AAOI at -9.57% versus PCTY at 15.23%.
How have AAOI and PCTY total returns compared?: Over the past 10 years, AAOI delivered 24.68% and PCTY delivered 13.63% annualized total return. Past performance doesn't predict future results.

Go deeper

Full AAOI analysis Full PCTY analysis Interactive comparison tool

Dig into the metrics

Paylocity P/E ratio Applied Optoelectronics ROE Paylocity ROE Applied Optoelectronics operating margin Paylocity operating margin Applied Optoelectronics revenue growth Paylocity revenue growth Applied Optoelectronics free cash flow Paylocity free cash flow

Applied Optoelectronics & Paylocity appear in these rankings

Fastest Revenue Growth Stocks Highest ROIC Stocks Highest FCF Yield Stocks Highest 10-Year Total Return Stocks

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 August 24, 2026.