Compare Baxter International Inc (BAX) vs Paychex, Inc. (PAYX) Price & Performance
Price performance (Past 24H)
Key statistics
Key statistics
Baxter International Inc vs Paychex, Inc. — how do they compare? Baxter International Inc trades at $27.56 (market cap $14.27B), while Paychex, Inc. trades at $120.1 (market cap $43.14B). The key difference: Paychex, Inc. is far larger — about 3× Baxter International Inc's market cap, and Paychex, Inc. pays the higher dividend (3.92%). Which is the better fit depends on your goals.
| BAX | PAYX | |
|---|---|---|
Market Cap | $14.27B | $43.14B |
Sector | Health | Industrials |
52-Week High | $28.35 | $140.81 |
52-Week Low | $15.80 | $85.57 |
Enterprise Value | $21.79B | $46.63B |
Dividend Yield | 0.14% | 3.92% |
Aura AI Summary
Signals from Pluang's Aura AI — not financial advice
Aura AI Summary
Signals from Pluang's Aura AI — not financial advice
Baxter International Inc. (BAX) trades at $27.78, up 0.83% today, with a bullish technical outlook supported by moving averages. Recent Q2 2026 earnings beat estimates with EPS of $0.56 versus $0.37 expected, and revenue guidance was raised, signaling operational improvement. However, the company posted a net loss of -$957 million in 2025, with negative profit margins and high P/E of 87.85, reflecting valuation concerns amid turnaround efforts.
The stock shows potential from earnings momentum and cost initiatives, but high debt and inconsistent profitability pose risks. Analyst consensus is mixed with a $25.43 price target below current levels, suggesting cautious optimism. Investors should weigh recent beats against structural challenges in the medtech sector.
Paychex (PAYX) trades at $121.18, up 0.95% with a bullish technical outlook and strong fundamentals. The company maintains robust profitability with 27.03% net margins and consistent earnings beats. Recent expansion of WISE platform and steady small business employment trends support growth. Technical indicators show bullish momentum with support at $120 and resistance at $122.
PAYX offers stable dividend income and consistent execution but faces valuation concerns with P/E of 24.81 above sector averages. Analyst consensus remains cautious with 63% hold ratings. Key risks include economic sensitivity and competitive pressures in HR services. Upside depends on continued market share gains and margin maintenance.
Returns comparison
Trailing returns across standard periods
Returns comparison
Trailing returns across standard periods
About Baxter International Inc
Baxter offers a variety of medical instruments and supplies to caregivers. It enhanced its portfolio of hospital-focused offerings by acquiring Hillrom in late 2021. Legacy Baxter offers tools to help patients with acute and chronic kidney failure. It also sells a variety of injectable therapies for use in care settings, such as IV pumps, and administrative sets.
Read more on BAX →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 →
