Compare Altria Group Inc (MO) vs Paychex, Inc. (PAYX) Price & Performance
Price performance (Past 24H)
Key statistics
Key statistics
Altria Group Inc vs Paychex, Inc. — how do they compare? Altria Group Inc trades at $68.1 (market cap $113.83B), while Paychex, Inc. trades at $114.78 (market cap $43.33B). The key difference: Altria Group Inc is far larger — about 2.6× Paychex, Inc.'s market cap, and Altria Group Inc pays the higher dividend (6.51%). Which is the better fit depends on your goals.
| MO | PAYX | |
|---|---|---|
Market Cap | $113.83B | $43.33B |
Sector | Consumer Staples | Industrials |
52-Week High | $74.92 | $135.46 |
52-Week Low | $54.72 | $85.57 |
Enterprise Value | $136.04B | $46.81B |
Dividend Yield | 6.51% | 3.91% |
Aura AI Summary
Signals from Pluang's Aura AI — not financial advice
Aura AI Summary
Signals from Pluang's Aura AI — not financial advice
MO trades at $68.18, down 1.02% today, with a bearish technical signal from moving averages but neutral oscillators. The company reported mixed Q2 2026 earnings, beating EPS estimates but missing revenue expectations, and maintains a strong 6.4% dividend yield after its 57th consecutive annual increase. Cash flow from operations remains robust at $9.29 billion for 2025, supporting dividend sustainability despite regulatory headwinds.
Outlook is cautiously optimistic with a consensus price target of $68.50, reflecting Wall Street's buy-heavy ratings. Key risks include ongoing FDA litigation, declining cigarette volumes, and high debt levels. The stock offers income appeal but faces secular challenges in the tobacco industry, requiring careful monitoring of regulatory developments and smoke-free segment growth.
Paychex (PAYX) trades at $116.93, down 3.93% over the past day, near the consensus price target of $118.17. The stock shows strong profitability with a 27.03% net income margin and 44.77% ROE, though valuation ratios like a P/E of 24.89 and P/S of 6.73 are elevated. Recent quarters have consistently beaten EPS estimates, and the company is advancing its AI-driven WISE platform to enhance payroll efficiency. Technical indicators are mixed, with a bearish moving average signal but an oversold RSI suggesting potential near-term support.
The outlook for PAYX is cautiously optimistic, supported by steady earnings beats and strategic AI integration, but high valuation and mixed analyst sentiment pose risks. Investment opportunity lies in continued execution on margin expansion and market share gains in HR solutions, while key risks include competitive pressures and economic sensitivity affecting small business clients.
Returns comparison
Trailing returns across standard periods
Returns comparison
Trailing returns across standard periods
Top news
Latest headlines on both assets
Top news
Latest headlines on both assets
About Altria Group Inc
Altria comprises Philip Morris USA, U.S. Smokeless Tobacco, John Middleton, Helix Innovations, and Philip Morris Capital, although the company plans to wind down Philip Morris Capital by the end of 2022. It holds a 10% interest in the world's largest brewer, Anheuser-Busch InBev. Through its tobacco subsidiaries, Altria holds the leading position in cigarettes and smokeless tobacco in the United States and the number-two spot in machine-made cigars. The company's Marlboro brand is the leading cigarette brand in the U.S. with a 43% share in 2020. Altria holds strategic investments in JUUL Labs (35% economic interest) and Cronos (42%).
Read more on MO →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 →
