Accenture plc vs Paychex, Inc. — how do they compare? Accenture plc trades at $178.32 (market cap $110.04B), while Paychex, Inc. trades at $119.69 (market cap $43.14B). The key difference: Accenture plc is far larger — about 2.6× Paychex, Inc.'s market cap, and Paychex, Inc. pays the higher dividend (3.92%). Which is the better fit depends on your goals.
| ACN | PAYX | |
|---|---|---|
Market Cap | $110.04B | $43.14B |
Sector | Technology | Industrials |
52-Week High | $288.54 | $140.81 |
52-Week Low | $124.41 | $85.57 |
Enterprise Value | $108.26B | $46.63B |
Dividend Yield | 3.63% | 3.92% |
Signals from Pluang's Aura AI — not financial advice
Accenture (ACN) trades at $178.25, up 1.44% with strong technical and fundamental momentum. The stock shows bullish technical signals with support at $174 and resistance at $181, while recent earnings consistently beat expectations with Q1 2026 EPS of $3.80 versus $3.70 expected. Revenue growth accelerated to $69.67 billion in 2025, with solid profitability margins and attractive valuation metrics including P/E of 14.36. Recent partnerships with TEPCO and AlphaSense highlight ongoing AI-driven business transformation initiatives.
Outlook remains positive with analyst consensus price target of $189.77 offering 6.5% upside potential. Key opportunities include continued AI adoption and margin expansion, while risks involve competitive pressures and potential economic slowdown affecting consulting demand. The strong buy rating consensus (66% of analysts) supports continued investor confidence in the company's growth trajectory.
Paychex (PAYX) trades at $119.93, down 1.03% today, with a bullish technical outlook and strong profitability. Recent quarters show consistent earnings beats, with Q2 2026 EPS expected at $1.33. The company maintains robust margins, including a 27.03% net income margin, and pays a steady dividend of $1.19 quarterly. Cash flow trends indicate operational strength, though 2025 saw significant investing outflows.
The stock presents a mixed outlook: solid fundamentals and dividend appeal are offset by a consensus 'Hold' rating and a price target below the current level. Risks include high valuation multiples and potential economic sensitivity for small business clients. Upside depends on sustained earnings growth and market sentiment shifts.
Trailing returns across standard periods
Latest headlines on both assets
Accenture PLC provides management and technology consulting services and solutions. The Company delivers a range of specialized capabilities and solutions to clients across all industries on a worldwide basis. Accenture operates a network of businesses provides consulting, technology, outsourcing, and alliances.
Read more on ACN →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 →