AppFolio (APPF) vs Qualys (QLYS)
Head-to-head comparison of performance, valuation, growth, profitability and dividends. Prices delayed 15 minutes; data as of Oct 8, 2026.
Summary
Qualys (QLYS) has outperformed AppFolio (APPF) over the past year, gaining 52.6% versus a loss of 17.8%. Over five years, QLYS leads with a +70.3% price change compared with +52.1% for APPF. AppFolio is the larger company by market cap ($6.98 billion vs $6.74 billion), about 1.0 times the size.
On valuation, Qualys trades at a lower forward P/E (23.0x vs 23.4x for AppFolio). Qualys converts more of its revenue into profit, with a net margin of 29.6% 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 | QLYS |
|---|---|---|
| Share price | $196.97 | $194.75 |
| Market cap | $6.98B | $6.74B |
| 1-day change | -3.12% | -2.59% |
| YTD return | -15.34% | +46.54% |
| 1-year return | -17.76% | +52.55% |
| 5-year return | +52.08% | +70.31% |
| P/E ratio (TTM) | 44.87 | 34.65 |
| Forward P/E | 23.36 | 23.04 |
| EPS (TTM) | $4.39 | $5.62 |
| Dividend yield | 0.00% | 0.00% |
| Annual dividend | $0.00 | $0.00 |
| Revenue (latest FY) | $950.82M | $669.13M |
| Revenue growth (YoY) | +19.72% | +10.13% |
| Net income (latest FY) | $140.92M | $198.32M |
| Gross margin | 63.68% | 82.85% |
| Operating margin | 16.08% | 33.17% |
| Net margin | 14.82% | 29.64% |
| 52-week high | $265.02 | $204.41 |
| 52-week low | $142.56 | $74.51 |
| Distance from 52-week high | -25.68% | -4.73% |
| Analyst consensus | strong_buy | hold |
| Avg. price target upside | +21.10% | -7.90% |
| Average volume | 363.25K | 722.74K |
| Shares outstanding | 24.09M | 34.60M |
| Employees | 1,702 | 2,718 |
| 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
- QLYS has outperformed APPF by 70.3 percentage points over the past year.
- AppFolio trades at a higher earnings multiple (44.9x vs 34.7x trailing P/E).
- Qualys is more profitable, keeping 29.6 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 +10.13%).
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 Qualys
QLYS stock →Qualys, Inc. provides cloud-based platform delivering information technology (IT), security, and compliance solutions in the United States and internationally.
Technology · Computer Software: Prepackaged Software · 2,718 employees
APPF vs QLYS FAQ
Which is bigger, AppFolio or Qualys?
AppFolio (APPF) is larger, with a market capitalization of $6.98B compared with $6.74B for Qualys (QLYS).
Which stock has performed better over the past year, APPF or QLYS?
QLYS returned +52.55% 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 QLYS?
QLYS has the lower trailing P/E at 34.7, 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 Qualys in the same industry?
Yes. Both are classified in the Computer Software: Prepackaged Software industry within the Technology sector.