Compare McCormick & Company, Incorporated (MKC) vs Paychex, Inc. (PAYX) Price & Performance
Price performance (Past 24H)
Key statistics
Key statistics
McCormick & Company, Incorporated vs Paychex, Inc. — how do they compare? McCormick & Company, Incorporated trades at $53.33 (market cap $14.27B), while Paychex, Inc. trades at $121.14 (market cap $43.10B). The key difference: Paychex, Inc. is far larger — about 3× McCormick & Company, Incorporated's market cap, and Paychex, Inc. pays the higher dividend (3.93%). Which is the better fit depends on your goals.
| MKC | PAYX | |
|---|---|---|
Market Cap | $14.27B | $43.10B |
Sector | Consumer Staples | Industrials |
52-Week High | $72.26 | $140.81 |
52-Week Low | $45.60 | $85.57 |
Enterprise Value | $18.87B | $46.59B |
Dividend Yield | 3.61% | 3.93% |
Aura AI Summary
Signals from Pluang's Aura AI — not financial advice
Aura AI Summary
Signals from Pluang's Aura AI — not financial advice
MKC trades at $52.96, up 1.3% on the day, with a bullish technical signal from moving averages and a consensus analyst price target of $59.67 suggesting 13% upside. The company reported Q2 2026 results that beat expectations, driven by the McCormick de Mexico acquisition and margin expansion, with revenue growth of 16.7% year-over-year. The pending $65 billion merger with Unilever's food business represents a transformative opportunity, though integration risks remain.
The outlook is positive, supported by strong profitability metrics, including a 21.91% net income margin and 25.7% ROE, alongside a reasonable valuation with a P/E of 8.81. Key risks include execution of the Unilever deal, competitive pressures in the consumer segment, and potential macroeconomic headwinds affecting consumer spending.
Paychex (PAYX) trades at $120.04, down slightly by 0.07% on the day, with a bullish technical signal from moving averages. The company reported strong earnings beats in recent quarters, with Q1 2026 EPS of $1.32 exceeding the $1.31 estimate. Revenue grew to $5.57 billion in 2025, though net income margin dipped to 27.03%. Recent news highlights expansion of its WISE platform and steady small business employment trends, supporting growth prospects.
The outlook remains positive given consistent earnings outperformance and strategic initiatives, but risks include elevated valuation ratios and potential economic sensitivity. Analyst consensus is mixed with a hold-heavy rating, and the current price sits above the $114.50 target, suggesting limited near-term upside. Dividend payments provide income support, yet investors should weigh growth against premium multiples.
Returns comparison
Trailing returns across standard periods
Returns comparison
Trailing returns across standard periods
About McCormick & Company, Incorporated
In its 130-year history, McCormick has grown to become the leading global manufacturer, marketer, and distributor of spices, herbs, extracts, seasonings, and other flavorings. Beyond end consumers, McCormick's customer base also includes top quick-service restaurants, retail grocery chains, and other packaged food and beverage manufacturers, with about 30% of sales generated beyond its home turf to include 150 other countries and territories. In addition to its namesake brand, the firm's portfolio includes Old Bay, Zatarain's, Thai Kitchen, Frank's RedHot, French's, and the recently acquired Cholula brand.
Read more on MKC →About Paychex, Inc.
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 →
