National Beverage Corp. vs Paychex, Inc. — how do they compare? National Beverage Corp. trades at $30.88 (market cap $2.89B), while Paychex, Inc. trades at $104.29 (market cap $37.19B). The key difference: Paychex, Inc. is far larger — about 12.9× National Beverage Corp.'s market cap, and Paychex, Inc. pays a 4.56% dividend while National Beverage Corp. pays none. Which is the better fit depends on your goals — on Pluang, investors hold National Beverage Corp. for 33 Days and Paychex, Inc. for 56 Days on average.
| FIZZ | PAYX | |
|---|---|---|
Market Cap | $2.89B | $37.19B |
Volume | 553,950 | 3,344,316 |
Sector | Consumer Staples | Industrials |
52-Week High | $37.73 | $128.59 |
52-Week Low | $29.20 | $85.57 |
Typical Hold Time | 33 Days | 56 Days |
Enterprise Value | $2.84B | $40.87B |
Dividend Yield | — | 4.56% |
Signals from Pluang's Aura AI — not financial advice
FIZZ trades at $29.60, down 1.4% with bearish technical signals from moving averages. The company reported flat revenue of $1.2B in 2025 but maintained strong profitability with 36.2% gross margins and 40.1% ROE. Recent Q1 2027 results showed the first year-over-year revenue growth since Q1 2026, though margins compressed to 35% and EPS declined to $0.50. Analyst sentiment is cautious with 50% sell ratings amid concerns about stalled growth and margin pressure from input costs.
The outlook remains challenging with LaCroix volumes declining for four consecutive years and Trump tariffs impacting profitability. While valuation multiples appear reasonable (P/E 15.9, EV/EBITDA 11.3), the lack of clear growth catalysts and negative cash flow trends present headwinds. The $3.25 special dividend provides shareholder return but reduces equity base, highlighting the company's mature market position.
Paychex (PAYX) trades at $101.55, up 0.52% on the day, with a bearish technical signal despite recent earnings beats. The stock shows strong profitability with a 27.35% net income margin and a 47.06% ROE, but valuation metrics like a P/E of 20.15 and P/S of 5.52 suggest a premium. Recent news highlights concerns over dividend sustainability and a 14% stock decline, even as the company reported double-digit earnings growth driven by PEO and insurance segments.
The outlook is mixed: solid fundamentals and a consensus price target of $111.00 imply upside, but bearish technicals and investor skepticism about growth levers like AI pose risks. Key opportunities include consistent dividend payments and market leadership, while risks involve labor market sensitivity and high debt levels following a significant increase in total liabilities.
Trailing returns across standard periods
Latest headlines on both assets
National Beverage Corp is one of the top 10 non-alcoholic beverage companies in the U.S. Its portfolio skews toward functional drinks (that is those purporting to offer health benefits) and is anchored by the popular LaCroix sparkling water trademark. Other offerings include Rip It energy drinks, Everfresh juices, and soda brands like Shasta and Faygo. The firm controls most of its production and distribution apparatus, with very little outsourcing. In terms of go-to-market, it uses warehouse distribution for big-box retailers, direct-store-delivery for convenience stores and other small outlets, and food-service distributors for the food-service channel (schools, hospitals, restaurants). It is controlled by chairman and CEO Nick Caporella, who owns over 73% of the common stock.
Read more on FIZZ →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 →