Freshworks Inc vs Paychex, Inc. — how do they compare? Freshworks Inc trades at $10.69 (market cap $2.93B), while Paychex, Inc. trades at $112.44 (market cap $39.12B). The key difference: Paychex, Inc. is far larger — about 13.4× Freshworks Inc's market cap, and Paychex, Inc. pays a 4.33% dividend while Freshworks Inc pays none. Which is the better fit depends on your goals.
| FRSH | PAYX | |
|---|---|---|
Market Cap | $2.93B | $39.12B |
Sector | Technology | Industrials |
52-Week High | $14.77 | $147.99 |
52-Week Low | $6.88 | $85.57 |
Enterprise Value | $2.19B | $42.60B |
Dividend Yield | — | 4.33% |
Signals from Pluang's Aura AI — not financial advice
Freshworks (FRSH) trades at $10.47, down 3.32% on the day, with a bullish technical signal from moving averages. The company shows a strong fundamental turnaround, achieving profitability in 2025 with a net income margin of 20.69% and robust revenue growth from $498M in 2022 to $839M in 2025. Recent news highlights a strategic pivot to its employee experience (EX) business and new AI product launches, with the Q2 2026 earnings report scheduled for August 4, 2026.
The outlook is positive, supported by a profitable growth trajectory, a 50% analyst buy rating, and a significant valuation discount to software peers. Key risks include execution of the EX pivot, competitive pressures in SaaS, and the need to sustain high gross margins. The stock offers opportunity as a value play with accelerating fundamentals, but faces typical growth stock volatility.
Paychex (PAYX) trades at $109.52, down 1.11% today but near the consensus price target of $110. The stock shows strong fundamentals with consistent earnings beats, including Q1 2026 EPS of $1.32 beating estimates. Technical indicators are bullish on moving averages while oscillators remain neutral. Recent news highlights AI expansion and strong small business job growth, supporting the positive outlook.
PAYX presents a balanced investment case with robust profitability (27% net margin) and dividend appeal, though valuation multiples appear elevated. Key risks include macroeconomic sensitivity to small business hiring and competitive pressures. Analyst sentiment is mixed with 63% hold ratings, suggesting cautious optimism amid current price levels near fair value.
Trailing returns across standard periods
Latest headlines on both assets
Freshworks Inc provides software as a service platform that enables small and medium-sized businesses to support customers through e-mail, phone, website, and social networks. It offers solutions that serve the needs of users in the CX and ITSM categories, and have also expanded its offering with Sales and Marketing automation products. These product offerings enable organizations to acquire, engage, and better serve their customers and employees.
Read more on FRSH →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 →