Duolingo, Inc. (DUOL) vs Paycom Software, Inc. (PAYC)

DUOL and PAYC are evenly matched — 7 metrics each of 14.

A side-by-side comparison of Duolingo, Inc. and Paycom Software, Inc. across valuation, profitability, dividends, and growth — built entirely from reported fundamentals, as of June 16, 2026. The ● marks the stronger figure on each row (cheaper multiple, higher margin/return).

Compare

Total return — DUOL vs PAYC

growth of $100 · last 5y
DUOL -8.6%PAYC -65.9%DUOL compounded faster
0100200300400Start $10020222023202420252026$91$34
DUOL PAYC

DUOL vs PAYC: by the numbers

  • PAYC is the larger company ($7.35B vs $5.92B market cap).
  • DUOL trades at the lower earnings multiple (14.79 vs 15.57 P/E).
  • DUOL converts more revenue to profit (38.44% vs 22.44% net margin).
  • DUOL grew revenue faster over the past five years (42.21% vs 19.16% CAGR).
  • PAYC pays a dividend (1.11% yield) while DUOL does not currently pay one.

Which is better, DUOL or PAYC?

Metric tally: DUOL 7 · PAYC 7

It depends on what you're optimizing for:

ValueDUOL(lower P/E)
GrowthDUOL(faster 5Y revenue CAGR)
QualityPAYC(higher ROIC)

Metrics side by side

Valuation

MetricDUOLPAYC
P/E ratio14.7915.57
Forward P/E44.8312.36
P/S ratio5.663.29
P/B ratio4.478.50
PEG ratio0.060.58
EV / EBITDA23.768.95
FCF yield6.68%6.42%

Profitability

MetricDUOLPAYC
Gross margin72.14%79.74%
Operating margin14.78%28.30%
Net margin38.44%22.44%
ROE30.35%57.87%
ROIC9.80%18.38%

Dividends

MetricDUOLPAYC
Dividend yield1.11%
Payout ratio18.45%

Growth (annualized)

MetricDUOLPAYC
Revenue CAGR (5Y)42.21%19.16%
EPS CAGR (5Y)26.70%
FCF CAGR (5Y)91.58%25.72%
Total return CAGR (5Y)-16.24%

Frequently asked

Which is better, DUOL or PAYC?
It depends on your goal. value: DUOL (lower P/E); growth: DUOL (faster 5Y revenue CAGR); quality: PAYC (higher ROIC). Across all compared metrics, they are evenly matched.
Is DUOL or PAYC cheaper?
On trailing earnings, DUOL is cheaper: DUOL trades at a 14.79 P/E and PAYC at 15.57.
Which has grown faster, DUOL or PAYC?
Over the past five years, DUOL grew revenue faster — DUOL at a 42.21% CAGR versus PAYC at 19.16%.
Does DUOL or PAYC pay a bigger dividend?
PAYC pays a dividend (1.11% yield) while DUOL does not currently pay one.
Is DUOL or PAYC more profitable?
DUOL runs the higher net margin — DUOL at 38.44% versus PAYC at 22.44%.

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 16, 2026.