AppFolio (APPF) vs Descartes Systems Group (DSGX)
Head-to-head comparison of performance, valuation, growth, profitability and dividends. Prices delayed 15 minutes; data as of Oct 8, 2026.
Summary
Descartes Systems Group (DSGX) has outperformed AppFolio (APPF) over the past year, losing 15.8% versus a loss of 17.8%. Over five years, APPF leads with a +52.1% price change compared with -3.9% for DSGX. AppFolio is the larger company by market cap ($6.98 billion vs $6.85 billion), about 1.0 times the size.
On valuation, AppFolio trades at a lower forward P/E (23.4x vs 24.3x for Descartes Systems Group). Descartes Systems Group converts more of its revenue into profit, with a net margin of 22.5% versus 14.8%.
Summary generated from market data by MetaCap's automated system. Methodology
Relative performance
Percent change in share price from the first common trading day shown; excludes dividends.
Head-to-head
| Metric | APPF | DSGX |
|---|---|---|
| Share price | $196.97 | $80.07 |
| Market cap | $6.98B | $6.85B |
| 1-day change | -3.12% | +1.84% |
| YTD return | -15.34% | -8.66% |
| 1-year return | -17.76% | -15.80% |
| 5-year return | +52.08% | -3.87% |
| P/E ratio (TTM) | 44.87 | 36.56 |
| Forward P/E | 23.36 | 24.25 |
| EPS (TTM) | $4.39 | $2.19 |
| Dividend yield | 0.00% | 0.00% |
| Annual dividend | $0.00 | $0.00 |
| Revenue (latest FY) | $950.82M | $728.99M |
| Revenue growth (YoY) | +19.72% | +11.98% |
| Net income (latest FY) | $140.92M | $163.77M |
| Gross margin | 63.68% | 77.08% |
| Operating margin | 16.08% | 28.80% |
| Net margin | 14.82% | 22.46% |
| 52-week high | $265.02 | $98.35 |
| 52-week low | $142.56 | $62.56 |
| Distance from 52-week high | -25.68% | -18.59% |
| Analyst consensus | strong_buy | buy |
| Avg. price target upside | +21.10% | +26.43% |
| Average volume | 363.25K | 588.03K |
| Shares outstanding | 24.09M | 85.55M |
| Employees | 1,702 | 2,364 |
| Sector | Technology | Technology |
| Industry | Computer Software: Prepackaged Software | Computer Software: Prepackaged Software |
Highlighted cells mark the higher value for growth, returns, margins and yield, and the lower value for P/E ratios. Highlighting is a mechanical comparison, not a recommendation.
Key differences
- Descartes Systems Group is more profitable, keeping 22.5 cents of every revenue dollar as net income versus 14.8 cents for AppFolio.
- AppFolio grew revenue faster in its latest fiscal year (+19.72% vs +11.98%).
About AppFolio
APPF stock →AppFolio, Inc., together with its subsidiaries, provides cloud-based platform for the real estate industry in the United States. The company provides a cloud-based platform that assist with accounting, reporting, marketing, leasing, maintenance, workflow automation, and communication services.
Technology · Computer Software: Prepackaged Software · 1,702 employees
About Descartes Systems Group
DSGX stock →The Descartes Systems Group Inc. provides global logistics technology solutions in the United States, Europe, the Middle East, Africa, Canada, and the Asia Pacific.
Technology · Computer Software: Prepackaged Software · 2,364 employees
APPF vs DSGX FAQ
Which is bigger, AppFolio or Descartes Systems Group?
AppFolio (APPF) is larger, with a market capitalization of $6.98B compared with $6.85B for Descartes Systems Group (DSGX).
Which stock has performed better over the past year, APPF or DSGX?
DSGX returned -15.80% over the past 12 months, compared with -17.76% for APPF (price return, excluding dividends). Past performance does not predict future results.
Which has the lower P/E ratio, APPF or DSGX?
DSGX has the lower trailing P/E at 36.6, versus 44.9 for APPF. A lower P/E is not by itself a sign of a better investment; it can reflect slower expected growth or higher risk.
Are AppFolio and Descartes Systems Group in the same industry?
Yes. Both are classified in the Computer Software: Prepackaged Software industry within the Technology sector.