Compare Air Products & Chemicals, Inc. (APD) vs Paychex, Inc. (PAYX) Price & Performance
Price performance (Past 24H)
Key statistics
Key statistics
Air Products & Chemicals, Inc. vs Paychex, Inc. — how do they compare? Air Products & Chemicals, Inc. trades at $302.89 (market cap $66.70B), while Paychex, Inc. trades at $109.46 (market cap $38.25B). The key difference: Air Products & Chemicals, Inc. is the larger of the two by market cap, and Paychex, Inc. pays the higher dividend (4.43%). Which is the better fit depends on your goals.
| APD | PAYX | |
|---|---|---|
Market Cap | $66.70B | $38.25B |
Sector | Basic Materials | Industrials |
52-Week High | $314.19 | $147.99 |
52-Week Low | $230.42 | $85.57 |
Enterprise Value | $84.11B | $41.73B |
Dividend Yield | 2.42% | 4.43% |
Aura AI Summary
Signals from Pluang's Aura AI — not financial advice
Aura AI Summary
Signals from Pluang's Aura AI — not financial advice
APD trades at $299.53, up 1.24% today, with a bullish technical signal from moving averages and strong analyst support. Recent earnings beats and strategic project exits, like the Louisiana Clean Energy Complex, have boosted investor confidence. The company maintains solid profitability margins but faces pressure from a negative net income in 2025 due to a pre-tax charge. Cash flow trends show volatility, with significant investing outflows for growth initiatives.
The outlook is positive with a consensus price target of $324.89, implying ~8% upside. Risks include high debt levels, execution on new projects, and macroeconomic sensitivity. Long-term growth is supported by renewable energy investments, but near-term profitability recovery is key for sustained gains.
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.
Returns comparison
Trailing returns across standard periods
Returns comparison
Trailing returns across standard periods
Top news
Latest headlines on both assets
Top news
Latest headlines on both assets
About Air Products & Chemicals, Inc.
Since its founding in 1940, Air Products has become one of the leading industrial gas suppliers globally, with operations in 50 countries and 19,000 employees. The company is the largest supplier of hydrogen and helium in the world. It has a unique portfolio serving customers in a number of industries, including chemicals, energy, healthcare, metals, and electronics. Air Products generated $10.3 billion in revenue in fiscal 2021.
Read more on APD →About Paychex, Inc.
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 →
