CF Industries Holdings, Inc. vs Paychex, Inc. — how do they compare? CF Industries Holdings, Inc. trades at $118.6 (market cap $18.31B), while Paychex, Inc. trades at $109.06 (market cap $38.95B). The key difference: Paychex, Inc. is far larger — about 2.1× CF Industries Holdings, Inc.'s market cap, and Paychex, Inc. pays the higher dividend (4.35%). Which is the better fit depends on your goals.
| CF | PAYX | |
|---|---|---|
Market Cap | $18.31B | $38.95B |
Sector | Basic Materials | Industrials |
52-Week High | $137.55 | $147.99 |
52-Week Low | $76.08 | $85.57 |
Enterprise Value | $19.89B | $42.43B |
Dividend Yield | 2.01% | 4.35% |
Signals from Pluang's Aura AI — not financial advice
CF Industries stock trades at $120.92, up 3.42% today, with a bullish technical outlook and strong fundamentals. Recent earnings beats, a 20% dividend hike announced July 8, 2026, and robust profitability metrics like a 23.73% net margin support investor confidence. The stock is near consensus price targets, with moving averages signaling upward momentum.
The outlook is positive, driven by firm nitrogen demand and shareholder returns, but risks include input cost pressures and cyclical industry headwinds. Upside potential exists if earnings continue to exceed expectations, though overbought RSI levels suggest near-term consolidation may occur.
Paychex (PAYX) trades at $110.75, up 2.98% with a bullish technical signal supported by moving averages. The company demonstrates strong fundamentals with consistent earnings beats, including Q1 2026 EPS of $1.32 beating expectations, and maintains robust profitability with 27.03% net income margin. Recent dividend payment of $1.19 and positive business momentum from AI expansion and small business hiring trends support growth outlook.
Outlook remains positive with steady revenue growth and AI-driven efficiency gains, though valuation multiples appear elevated with P/E of 22.65. Risks include competitive pressures and macroeconomic sensitivity to small business employment trends. Analyst consensus is mixed with 16.67% buy ratings but price target alignment with current levels.
Trailing returns across standard periods
Latest headlines on both assets
CF Industries is a leading producer and distributor of nitrogen fertilizers. The company operates seven nitrogen facilities in North America and holds joint venture interests in further production capacity in the United Kingdom and Trinidad and Tobago. CF makes nitrogen primarily using low-cost U.S. natural gas as its feedstock, making CF one of the lowest-cost nitrogen producers globally.
Read more on CF →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 →