Acadia Healthcare Company Inc vs Paychex, Inc. — how do they compare? Acadia Healthcare Company Inc trades at $31.18 (market cap $2.96B), while Paychex, Inc. trades at $120.92 (market cap $43.10B). The key difference: Paychex, Inc. is far larger — about 14.6× Acadia Healthcare Company Inc's market cap, and Paychex, Inc. pays a 3.93% dividend while Acadia Healthcare Company Inc pays none. Which is the better fit depends on your goals.
| ACHC | PAYX | |
|---|---|---|
Market Cap | $2.96B | $43.10B |
Sector | Health | Industrials |
52-Week High | $35.61 | $140.81 |
52-Week Low | $11.68 | $85.57 |
Enterprise Value | $5.35B | $46.59B |
Dividend Yield | — | 3.93% |
Signals from Pluang's Aura AI — not financial advice
ACHC trades at $31.53, up 2.64% today, with a neutral technical signal despite bullish moving averages. The company shows strong revenue growth with Q2 2026 earnings beating estimates, but faces profitability challenges with negative net income margins. Analyst consensus remains positive with 68% buy ratings and a $36 price target, though ongoing legal investigations create headwinds.
The outlook balances operational strength against financial risks. Revenue growth and facility expansion support upside potential, but negative profitability and legal uncertainties warrant caution. The stock offers 14% upside to consensus target if execution improves, but investors should monitor earnings sustainability and legal developments closely.
Paychex (PAYX) trades at $120.04, down slightly by 0.07% on the day, with a bullish technical signal from moving averages. The company reported strong earnings beats in recent quarters, with Q1 2026 EPS of $1.32 exceeding the $1.31 estimate. Revenue grew to $5.57 billion in 2025, though net income margin dipped to 27.03%. Recent news highlights expansion of its WISE platform and steady small business employment trends, supporting growth prospects.
The outlook remains positive given consistent earnings outperformance and strategic initiatives, but risks include elevated valuation ratios and potential economic sensitivity. Analyst consensus is mixed with a hold-heavy rating, and the current price sits above the $114.50 target, suggesting limited near-term upside. Dividend payments provide income support, yet investors should weigh growth against premium multiples.
Trailing returns across standard periods
Acadia Healthcare is a leading provider of behavioral healthcare services across the US and Puerto Rico. It operates a network of psychiatric hospitals, residential treatment centers, and clinics for mental health and addiction recovery.
Read more on ACHC →Paychex is a leading provider of payroll, human capital management, and insurance solutions servicing small and midsize clients primarily in the United States. The company, established in 1979, services over 730,000 clients and pays over 1 in 12 U.S. private-sector workers. Alongside its traditional payroll services, Paychex offers HCM solutions such as benefits administration and time and attendance software, as well as human resources outsourcing and insurance agency services.
Read more on PAYX →