Kohl's Corporation vs Paychex, Inc. — how do they compare? Kohl's Corporation trades at $18.99 (market cap $2.10B), while Paychex, Inc. trades at $119.51 (market cap $43.14B). The key difference: Paychex, Inc. is far larger — about 20.5× Kohl's Corporation's market cap, and Paychex, Inc. pays the higher dividend (3.92%). Which is the better fit depends on your goals.
| KSS | PAYX | |
|---|---|---|
Market Cap | $2.10B | $43.14B |
Sector | Consumer Cyclical | Industrials |
52-Week High | $24.71 | $140.81 |
52-Week Low | $11.72 | $85.57 |
Enterprise Value | $8.20B | $46.63B |
Dividend Yield | 2.7% | 3.92% |
Signals from Pluang's Aura AI — not financial advice
Kohl's (KSS) trades at $18.96, down 0.42% on the day, with a bullish technical signal from moving averages but neutral oscillators. The stock shows low valuation multiples (P/E of 7.77, P/S of 0.14) amid declining revenue, which fell to $16.22B in 2025. Recent Q1 2026 earnings beat expectations, and the company announced a $0.13 dividend for June 2026, alongside leadership changes including a new COO appointment in September 2026.
The outlook is mixed: low valuations and earnings beats offer value, but persistent sales declines and thin net margins near 1.77% pose risks. Analyst consensus is cautious with a $16.75 price target below the current price, reflecting concerns over competitive pressures and cash flow volatility. Investors should weigh cost-cutting progress against macroeconomic headwinds in retail.
Paychex (PAYX) trades at $119.93, down 1.03% today, with a bullish technical outlook and strong profitability. Recent quarters show consistent earnings beats, with Q2 2026 EPS expected at $1.33. The company maintains robust margins, including a 27.03% net income margin, and pays a steady dividend of $1.19 quarterly. Cash flow trends indicate operational strength, though 2025 saw significant investing outflows.
The stock presents a mixed outlook: solid fundamentals and dividend appeal are offset by a consensus 'Hold' rating and a price target below the current level. Risks include high valuation multiples and potential economic sensitivity for small business clients. Upside depends on sustained earnings growth and market sentiment shifts.
Trailing returns across standard periods
Kohl's operates 1,165 department stores in 49 states that sell moderately priced private-label and national brand clothing, shoes, accessories, cosmetics, and home furnishings. Most of these stores are in strip centers. Kohl's also operates a large digital sales business. Women's apparel is Kohl's largest category, having generated 27% of its 2021 sales. The retailer, headquartered in Menomonee Falls, Wisconsin, opened its first department store in 1962.
Read more on KSS →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 →