Moody's Corporation vs Paychex, Inc. — how do they compare? Moody's Corporation trades at $489.67 (market cap $88.28B), while Paychex, Inc. trades at $112.65 (market cap $40.98B). The key difference: Moody's Corporation is far larger — about 2.2× Paychex, Inc.'s market cap, and Paychex, Inc. pays the higher dividend (4.13%). Which is the better fit depends on your goals.
| MCO | PAYX | |
|---|---|---|
Market Cap | $88.28B | $40.98B |
Sector | Financials | Industrials |
52-Week High | $539.61 | $147.99 |
52-Week Low | $412.23 | $85.57 |
Enterprise Value | $94.08B | $44.47B |
Dividend Yield | 0.82% | 4.13% |
Signals from Pluang's Aura AI — not financial advice
MCO trades at $505.12, down 1.12% today, with a bullish technical signal from moving averages but overbought RSI readings near 76. The company shows strong fundamentals with Q1 2026 EPS beating estimates at $4.33, revenue growth to $7.72B in 2025, and robust profitability margins including a 31.69% net income margin. Recent news highlights AI integration initiatives and dividend sustainability, with a $1.03 dividend paid in June 2026.
Outlook remains positive given analyst consensus of $551.17 price target and 56% buy ratings, though valuation multiples like P/E of 36.65 pose risks if growth slows. Key risks include high debt levels and market sensitivity to credit cycles, but institutional support and recurring revenue model provide stability for long-term investors.
Paychex (PAYX) trades at $115.15, up 0.66% today, with strong technical momentum indicated by bullish moving averages. The company demonstrates robust fundamentals with consistent earnings beats, including Q1 2026 EPS of $1.32 beating expectations of $1.31, and maintains high profitability with a 27.03% net income margin. Recent developments include dividend declarations and positive small business job growth trends.
Outlook remains positive with steady revenue growth and AI expansion driving future performance, though valuation metrics appear elevated with P/E at 23.39. Key risks include macroeconomic sensitivity to small business hiring and competitive pressures. Analyst consensus is mixed with 63.33% hold ratings and a $110 price target slightly below current levels.
Trailing returns across standard periods
Latest headlines on both assets
Moody's, along with S&P Ratings, is a leading provider of credit ratings on fixed income securities. Moody's ratings segment, known as Moody's Investors Service or MIS, includes corporates, structured finance, financial institutions, and public finance ratings. MIS represents a majority of the firm's revenue and profits. Moody's other segment is Moody's Analytics and consists of Research, Data, and Analytics or RD&A and Enterprise Risk Solutions or ERS. RD&A's products include credit research, quantitative credit scores, economic research, business intelligence, know your customer (KYC) tools, commercial real estate data and analytical tools, and training services. ERS includes risk management software solutions to financial institutions.
Read more on MCO →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 →