Price movement over the last 24 hours
Amphastar Pharmaceuticals Inc vs Paychex, Inc. — how do they compare? Amphastar Pharmaceuticals Inc trades at $18.72 (market cap $826.08M), while Paychex, Inc. trades at $108.43 (market cap $38.25B). The key difference: Paychex, Inc. is far larger — about 46.3× Amphastar Pharmaceuticals Inc's market cap, and Paychex, Inc. pays a 4.43% dividend while Amphastar Pharmaceuticals Inc pays none. Which is the better fit depends on your goals.
| AMPH | PAYX | |
|---|---|---|
Market Cap | $826.08M | $38.25B |
Sector | Health | Industrials |
52-Week High | $30.81 | $147.99 |
52-Week Low | $16.87 | $85.57 |
Enterprise Value | $1.22B | $41.73B |
Dividend Yield | — | 4.43% |
Signals from Pluang's Aura AI — not financial advice
AMPH trades at $18.72, down 1.58% with bearish technical signals despite oversold RSI readings. The company reported mixed Q1 2026 results with EPS of $0.42 missing estimates of $0.70, continuing a trend of recent earnings disappointments. Valuation metrics appear reasonable with P/E of 11.29 and P/B of 1.07, while profitability remains solid with 47.34% gross margins. Recent news includes a Zacks Strong Sell rating and ongoing securities law investigation.
The stock faces near-term headwinds from earnings misses and negative analyst sentiment, though current valuations provide some downside protection. Upside potential exists if the company can execute its strategic pivot to proprietary drugs and biosimilars while managing BAQSIMI discount pressures. Key risks include ongoing legal scrutiny and competitive pressures in the generic drug market.
Paychex (PAYX) trades at $107.54, up 1.16% with a bullish technical signal and consistent earnings beats. The stock shows strong profitability with 27.03% net margin and 44.77% ROE, though valuation ratios like P/E of 22 and P/S of 5.95 are elevated. Recent Q1 2026 EPS of $1.32 beat expectations, and the company maintains dividend payments with a $1.19 distribution scheduled for May 29, 2026. Cash flow from operations remains robust at $1.90B for 2025.
Outlook is cautiously optimistic with a consensus price target of $110.00, though analyst ratings are mixed (63.33% Hold). Key risks include macroeconomic sensitivity to small business hiring and integration challenges from acquisitions. The stock's current price near resistance at $110 suggests limited near-term upside without significant catalysts.
Trailing returns across standard periods
Amphastar is a specialty pharmaceutical company that develops and markets injectable, intranasal, and inhalation products. Its portfolio includes both complex generic drugs and proprietary delivery systems.
Read more on AMPH →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 →