EPAM Systems Inc vs Paychex, Inc. — how do they compare? EPAM Systems Inc trades at $99.88 (market cap $5.15B), while Paychex, Inc. trades at $121.38 (market cap $43.14B). The key difference: Paychex, Inc. is far larger — about 8.4× EPAM Systems Inc's market cap, and Paychex, Inc. pays a 3.92% dividend while EPAM Systems Inc pays none. Which is the better fit depends on your goals.
| EPAM | PAYX | |
|---|---|---|
Market Cap | $5.15B | $43.14B |
Sector | Technology | Industrials |
52-Week High | $221.40 | $140.81 |
52-Week Low | $76.04 | $85.57 |
Enterprise Value | $4.52B | $46.63B |
Dividend Yield | — | 3.92% |
Signals from Pluang's Aura AI — not financial advice
EPAM Systems trades at $100.29, up 3.0% with recent earnings beats but faces technical bearish signals. The company reported strong Q2 2026 results with EPS of $3.38 beating estimates, though revenue guidance was lowered due to North American softness. Valuation appears attractive with P/E of 13.55 and P/S of 0.97, while profitability metrics remain solid with 7.15% net margin.
The stock presents a value opportunity with analyst consensus target of $117.27 (17% upside), but faces near-term headwinds from reduced revenue guidance and technical weakness. Key risks include slowing demand in core markets, while the OpenAI partnership offers AI growth potential. Institutional sentiment remains positive with 65% buy ratings.
Paychex (PAYX) trades at $120.34, down 0.69% on the day, with a bullish technical signal from moving averages but overbought RSI readings. The company shows strong profitability with a 27.03% net income margin and consistent earnings beats, though valuation ratios like a P/E of 24.81 are elevated. Recent news highlights steady small business employment data and product expansion, supporting its core HR services business.
The outlook is mixed: solid fundamentals and dividend payments offer stability, but high valuation and analyst caution (63.33% hold rating) suggest limited near-term upside. Risks include economic sensitivity and debt levels, yet long-term growth in HR outsourcing remains a tailwind for patient investors.
Trailing returns across standard periods
EPAM Systems Inc provides software product development and digital platform engineering services to clients located around the world. The company services include Software Product Development, Custom Application Development, Application Testing, Enterprise Application Platforms, Application Maintenance, and Support and Infrastructure Management. The company focuses on innovative and scalable software solutions. The company uses industry standard and custom developed technology, tools, and platforms to deliver results to handle business challenges. The company primarily offers its solutions in the following industries: financial services, travel and consumer, software and hi-tech, life sciences and healthcare. The majority of revenue is generated from North American clients.
Read more on EPAM →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 →