AppFolio Inc. (APPF) vs Paylocity Holding Corporation (PCTY)

A side-by-side comparison of AppFolio Inc. and Paylocity Holding Corporation across valuation, profitability, dividends, and growth — built entirely from reported fundamentals, as of August 28, 2026. Differences are shown without an overall score or investment verdict.

Compare

Total returnAPPF vs PCTY

growth of $100 · dividends reinvested · last 10y
APPF +1116.8% (+28.4%/yr)PCTY +234.6% (+12.8%/yr)APPF compounded faster over this window
05001k2kStart $10020182020202220242026$1,217$335
APPF PCTY

APPF vs PCTY: by the numbers

  • PCTY is the larger company ($8.47B vs $8.29B market cap).
  • PCTY trades at the lower trailing earnings multiple (30.90 vs 52.98 P/E), one valuation lens rather than an overall verdict.
  • APPF grew revenue faster over the past five years (26.26% vs 22.75% CAGR).

Metrics side by side

Valuation

MetricAPPFPCTY
P/E ratio52.9830.90
Forward P/E33.6318.77
P/S ratio7.944.70
P/B ratio15.726.82
EV / EBITDA39.7516.43
FCF yield3.25%5.38%

Profitability

MetricAPPFPCTY
Gross margin63.04%69.19%
Operating margin17.52%21.79%
Net margin15.13%15.23%
ROE29.94%22.08%
ROIC26.85%18.36%

Growth (annualized)

MetricAPPFPCTY
Revenue CAGR (5Y)26.26%22.75%
EPS CAGR (5Y)-3.28%30.87%
FCF CAGR (5Y)72.35%38.86%
Total return CAGR (5Y)13.66%-9.96%

Frequently asked

Which has the lower trailing P/E, APPF or PCTY?
PCTY has the lower trailing P/E: APPF trades at 52.98 and PCTY at 30.90. P/E is one valuation measure and does not by itself establish which business is cheaper.
Which has grown faster, APPF or PCTY?
Over the past five years, APPF grew revenue faster — APPF at a 26.26% CAGR versus PCTY at 22.75%.
How have APPF and PCTY total returns compared?
Over the past 10 years, APPF delivered 28.77% and PCTY delivered 12.84% 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 August 28, 2026.