Marsh & McLennan Companies, Inc. vs Paychex, Inc. — how do they compare? Marsh & McLennan Companies, Inc. trades at $180.04 (market cap $87.77B), while Paychex, Inc. trades at $115.19 (market cap $40.98B). The key difference: Marsh & McLennan Companies, Inc. is far larger — about 2.1× Paychex, Inc.'s market cap, and Paychex, Inc. pays the higher dividend (4.13%). Which is the better fit depends on your goals.
| MRSH | PAYX | |
|---|---|---|
Market Cap | $87.77B | $40.98B |
Sector | Financials | Industrials |
52-Week High | $211.21 | $147.99 |
52-Week Low | $157.32 | $85.57 |
Enterprise Value | $108.61B | $44.47B |
Dividend Yield | 2.17% | 4.13% |
Signals from Pluang's Aura AI — not financial advice
Marsh (MRSH) trades at $181.59, down 0.32% on the day, with a bullish technical signal from moving averages and support at $180. The company reported strong Q2 2026 earnings, beating estimates with $2.96 EPS versus $2.88 expected, driven by 6% revenue growth to $7.4 billion. Fundamentals show robust profitability with a 14.26% net margin and 27.42% ROE, while valuation ratios like P/E of 22.77 and P/S of 3.26 reflect premium pricing. Recent news highlights a 10% dividend increase to $0.99 per share, payable in August 2026.
The outlook for MRSH is positive, supported by consistent earnings beats and strategic AI investments, but risks include rising operating expenses and softer insurance pricing. Analysts maintain a consensus price target of $203.75, implying 12% upside, with 11 buy ratings outweighing 1 sell. Investors should monitor expense management and organic growth sustainability amid competitive pressures.
Paychex (PAYX) trades at $111.96, down 2.12% on the day, with technical indicators showing a bullish trend despite overbought RSI readings. The company maintains strong profitability with 27.03% net margins and has beaten earnings estimates for three consecutive quarters. Recent dividend declarations of $1.19 per share and positive small business job growth data support the investment case.
The outlook remains positive with steady revenue growth and AI expansion driving future earnings. Key risks include macroeconomic headwinds affecting small business hiring and elevated valuation multiples. Analyst consensus is mixed with a $110 price target slightly below current levels, suggesting cautious optimism amid strong fundamentals.
Trailing returns across standard periods
Marsh & McLennan Companies Inc is a professional services firm that provides advice and solutions in the areas of risk, strategy, and human capital. The company operates through two main segments: risk and insurance services and consulting. In risk and insurance services, the firm offers services via Marsh (an insurance broker) and Guy Carpenter (a risk and reinsurance specialist). The consulting division comprises Mercer (a provider of human resource services) and Oliver Wyman (management and economic consultancy).
Read more on MRSH →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 →