APPF

Technology

AppFolio, Inc. · Software - Application · $6B

UQS Score — Balanced Preset
58.7
Good

AppFolio, Inc. scores 58.7/100 using the Balanced preset.

UQS vs Technology Sector
APPF
58.7
Sector avg
38.0
Quality
Good
Moat
Weak
Growth
Neutral
Risk
Strong
Valuation
Good

What is AppFolio, Inc.?

AppFolio, Inc. is a cloud software company focused exclusively on the real estate industry. Headquartered in Santa Barbara, California, it helps property managers and real estate investors run their operations through purpose-built digital tools.

AppFolio generates revenue by selling subscription-based cloud platforms to property management companies and real estate investment organizations. Its software automates everyday workflows — from collecting rent electronically to screening tenants — reducing manual effort for its customers. The company also earns revenue from value-added services layered on top of its core platform, such as insurance, payment processing, and tenant screening, creating multiple revenue streams within a single customer relationship.

AppFolio was incorporated in 2006 and is headquartered in Santa Barbara, California.

  • AppFolio Property Manager — core platform for property management workflows
  • AppFolio Property Manager Plus — advanced customization and performance insights
  • AppFolio Investment Management — investor relationship and reporting tools
  • Electronic payment and tenant screening services
  • Integrated insurance and risk management services

Is APPF a Good Stock to Buy?

UQS Score rates APPF as Good overall, reflecting a balanced profile with notable strengths and a few areas worth watching.

The Risk pillar stands out as a clear strength, suggesting AppFolio carries a relatively conservative financial profile compared to many mid-cap software peers. The Quality and Valuation pillars both register as Good, indicating the business generates returns in line with expectations and is not obviously mispriced relative to its fundamentals.

The Moat pillar scores Weak, which raises questions about how defensible AppFolio's competitive position is over the long run. Growth registers as Neutral, suggesting the company's expansion pace is moderate rather than exceptional.

See the exact pillar breakdown and full financial metrics by signing up for a UQS Pro account. Sign up free →

Past performance does not guarantee future results. UQS Score is based on fundamental data and is not a buy/sell recommendation.

Does APPF pay dividends?

No — AppFolio, Inc. does not currently pay a dividend.

AppFolio does not currently pay a dividend. As a growth-oriented software company, it reinvests available capital into product development, customer acquisition, and platform expansion rather than returning cash to shareholders through distributions. Investors in APPF are generally seeking capital appreciation rather than income.

When does APPF report earnings?

AppFolio reports earnings on a quarterly cadence, consistent with standard practice for US-listed equities.

The company's recent results have reflected steady subscription revenue growth alongside expanding value-added service contributions. Management has continued to emphasize platform adoption and customer retention as key operational priorities, without dramatic swings in reported outcomes.

For the most recent quarter's results and guidance commentary, visit AppFolio's investor relations page directly.

APPF Price History

+17.2% over 5Y

Monthly close, adjusted for stock splits and dividend reinvestment.

Return Calculator

What if I invested in AppFolio, Inc.?

$
Today it would be worth
$10,798
That's a +8.0% total return, or +1.5% annualized.

Based on AppFolio, Inc.'s historical closing prices, adjusted for stock splits and dividend reinvestment. Past performance does not guarantee future results. This is for informational purposes only and is not financial advice.

APPF Long-term Outlook

AppFolio's fundamental outlook is shaped by a Neutral Growth profile and a Strong Risk profile. The business appears positioned for steady, measured expansion rather than rapid acceleration — a trajectory consistent with a maturing vertical SaaS model. The Good Valuation label suggests the market has not priced in aggressive upside, which may limit downside risk if growth remains moderate. The Weak Moat rating, however, means sustaining that trajectory depends on continued product investment and customer stickiness.

Growth drivers

  • Expanding value-added services revenue within the existing customer base
  • Deepening platform adoption among mid-to-large property management companies
  • Automation and AI-driven workflow tools attracting new customers

Key risks

  • Weak competitive moat leaves AppFolio exposed to better-resourced rivals
  • Neutral growth pace may disappoint investors expecting software-sector acceleration
  • Valuation leaves limited room for error if execution slips

APPF vs Peers

AppFolio operates in a broader landscape of cloud software and business management platforms, where it competes for technology budgets and customer attention.

PCTYAPPF scores higher
Paylocity Holding Corporation

Paylocity focuses on human capital management and payroll software for mid-market employers, competing with AppFolio for cloud-platform adoption budgets rather than real estate workflows specifically.

OTEXAPPF scores higher
Open Text Corporation

Open Text is a much larger enterprise content management and information management company, offering broader document and data solutions that can overlap with AppFolio's workflow automation capabilities.

KCAPPF scores higher
Kingsoft Cloud Holdings Limited

Kingsoft Cloud is a China-based cloud services provider whose infrastructure and SaaS offerings represent a different geographic and operational model compared to AppFolio's US-focused vertical software approach.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does AppFolio do?

AppFolio provides cloud-based software designed specifically for the real estate industry. Its platforms help property management companies automate workflows, collect payments, screen tenants, and manage investor relationships. The company earns revenue through subscriptions and a range of value-added services built on top of its core platform.

Does APPF pay dividends?

No, AppFolio does not currently pay a dividend. The company reinvests its capital into product development and growth initiatives rather than distributing cash to shareholders. Investors focused on income may want to consider this before adding APPF to a dividend-oriented portfolio.

When does APPF report earnings?

AppFolio reports financial results on a quarterly basis, as is standard for US-listed companies. Specific dates shift each quarter, so check AppFolio's investor relations page or your brokerage platform for the most current schedule.

Is APPF a good stock to buy?

UQS Score rates APPF as Good overall. The Risk pillar is Strong and both Quality and Valuation register as Good, but the Moat pillar is Weak and Growth is Neutral. Whether that profile fits your investment goals depends on your own risk tolerance and time horizon. View the full pillar breakdown on UQS Score.

Is APPF overvalued?

The UQS Valuation pillar for APPF is rated Good, suggesting the stock is not obviously overpriced relative to its fundamentals at the time of scoring. Valuation assessments can shift with market conditions, so it is worth reviewing the full analysis for the most current picture.

How does APPF compare to its competitors?

AppFolio's vertical focus on real estate software sets it apart from broader cloud and enterprise software peers like Open Text and Paylocity. Its niche specialization can be an advantage in customer retention, though the Weak Moat rating suggests that competitive differentiation may not yet be deeply entrenched.

What is APPF's market cap bracket?

AppFolio is classified as a mid-cap company. This places it in a segment of the market that often balances growth potential with more established operations than smaller peers, though mid-caps can carry higher volatility than large-cap or mega-cap stocks.

Who founded AppFolio?

AppFolio was co-founded by Klaus Schauser and Jon Walker, who built the company around the idea of delivering purpose-built cloud software to underserved vertical markets. The company was incorporated in 2006 and is headquartered in Santa Barbara, California.

Is APPF a long-term quality investment?

From a long-term quality perspective, APPF's Strong Risk profile and Good Quality rating suggest a relatively stable business foundation. The Weak Moat score is the key factor to monitor — durable long-term returns in software typically depend on building defensible competitive advantages over time.

What is the main competitive advantage of AppFolio?

AppFolio's primary advantage lies in its deep vertical focus — the platform is built exclusively for real estate, which drives relevance and workflow integration for property managers. However, the UQS Moat pillar rates this advantage as Weak, indicating that the competitive position may not yet be strongly differentiated from alternatives.

What sector does APPF belong to?

AppFolio is classified in the Technology sector, specifically within vertical cloud software. Its products serve the real estate industry, making it a niche player within the broader enterprise software landscape. You can explore other [top technology stocks](/sector/technology) on UQS Score.

Is APPF a growth stock or value stock?

Based on UQS pillar labels, APPF sits in a middle ground — Growth is rated Neutral and Valuation is rated Good. This profile suggests the market views it as a moderately priced business with measured expansion prospects, rather than a high-multiple hypergrowth name or a deep-value opportunity.

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Pro Analysis

APPF — Score History

5055606570Apr 2Apr 12Apr 22May 2May 12May 22May 24v5
Score changes· 30/38 most recent
DateUQSQualityMoatGrowthRiskValueChange
May 23, 202660.068.438.052.082.470.70.0
May 21, 202660.068.438.052.082.470.9-0.1
May 20, 202660.168.438.052.082.471.4-0.1
May 19, 202660.268.838.052.082.471.8-0.2
May 16, 202660.468.838.052.082.472.80.0
May 15, 202660.468.938.052.082.473.00.0
May 14, 202660.468.938.052.082.473.2+0.2
May 13, 202660.268.538.052.082.472.2+0.1
May 12, 202660.168.538.052.082.471.5+0.5
May 11, 202659.668.238.052.082.468.7+1.7

APPF — Pillar Breakdown

Quality

68.4/100 (25%)

AppFolio, Inc. shows solid profitability with healthy returns on capital and reasonable margins.

Capital Efficiency (ROIC)Strong

How effectively capital is deployed to generate returns.

Return on EquityStrong

Profitability relative to shareholders' equity.

Operating ProfitabilityWeak

Ability to convert revenue into operating profit.

Net ProfitabilityModerate

Bottom-line profit as a share of revenue.

Gross Profit / AssetsStrong

Asset productivity — how much gross profit each dollar of assets generates.

Cash GenerationModerate

Free cash flow relative to market value.

Growth

52.0/100 (20%)

AppFolio, Inc. shows steady but unspectacular growth, typical for mature companies.

Recent Revenue TrendWeak

Revenue trajectory over the last twelve months.

3Y Revenue CAGRModerate

Compound annual revenue growth rate over 3 years.

EPS GrowthWeak

Year-over-year earnings per share growth.

Forward Revenue OutlookModerate

Analyst consensus for future revenue growth.

Forward EPS GrowthStrong

Analyst consensus for future earnings growth.

Risk

82.4/100 (15%)

AppFolio, Inc. carries minimal financial risk with conservative leverage and strong solvency.

Financial LeverageStrong

Debt levels relative to earnings capacity.

Debt/EquityStrong

Total debt relative to shareholder equity.

Current RatioStrong

Short-term liquidity — ability to pay near-term obligations.

Interest CoverageWeak

Earnings capacity relative to interest payments.

Valuation

62.5/100 (15%)

AppFolio, Inc. trades at a reasonable valuation with decent earnings yield and FCF multiples.

Earnings YieldModerate

Inverse of forward P/E — higher yield means cheaper stock.

Price to Free Cash FlowStrong

How many years of FCF the market cap represents.

PEG RatioStrong

P/E relative to earnings growth — lower is more attractive.

EV/EBITDA vs SectorWeak

Enterprise value multiple relative to sector median.

Moat

38/100 (25%)

AppFolio, Inc. possesses some competitive advantages but faces meaningful competition. The Moat pillar evaluates competitive advantages across five dimensions: Switching Costs, Network Effects, Cost Advantage, Intangible Assets, and Scale & Ecosystem. Sign in to customize moat ratings for APPF.

Score Composition

Quality
68.4×25%17.1
Growth
52.0×20%10.4
Risk
82.4×15%12.4
Valuation
62.5×15%9.4
Moat
38.0×25%9.5
Total
58.7Good

Financial Data

More Stock Analysis

How is the APPF UQS Score Calculated?

The UQS (Unified Quality Score) for AppFolio, Inc. is calculated using a proprietary 6-pillar framework with 29 financial metrics. Each pillar evaluates a different dimension on a 0–100 scale, then combines into a single weighted score. Scoring thresholds are calibrated per sector. Momentum is an optional Pro toggle — without it, you get the 5-pillar / 25-metric core shown below.

Quality (25%) measures profitability and capital efficiency — ROIC, ROE, margins, GP/Assets, and FCF Yield.

Moat (25%) assesses AppFolio, Inc.'s competitive advantages across switching costs, network effects, cost advantages, intangible assets, and ecosystem scale.

Growth (20%) tracks revenue trajectory and earnings momentum, combining historical results with analyst forward estimates.

Risk (15%) is inversely scored — lower leverage and strong balance sheet health result in higher scores.

Valuation (15%) measures whether AppFolio, Inc. is fairly priced using earnings yield, price-to-FCF, PEG ratio, and EV/EBITDA relative to sector peers.

Six investor-inspired presets are available, each with different pillar weights: Balanced, Buffett, Munger, Lynch, Cathie Wood, and Graham. The public score shown here uses the Balanced preset. Learn more in our FAQ.