Nike Inc vs Paychex, Inc. — how do they compare? Nike Inc trades at $42.97 (market cap $64.49B), while Paychex, Inc. trades at $115.19 (market cap $40.98B). The key difference: Nike Inc is the larger of the two by market cap, and Paychex, Inc. pays the higher dividend (4.13%). Which is the better fit depends on your goals.
| NKE | PAYX | |
|---|---|---|
Market Cap | $64.49B | $40.98B |
Volume | 8,887,180 | — |
Sector | Consumer Cyclical | Industrials |
52-Week High | $79.24 | $147.99 |
52-Week Low | $40.75 | $85.57 |
Enterprise Value | $66.49B | $44.47B |
Dividend Yield | 3.77% | 4.13% |
Signals from Pluang's Aura AI — not financial advice
Nike (NKE) trades at $43.76, down 1.82% on the day, with a neutral technical signal and bullish moving averages. Recent earnings consistently beat expectations, with Q1 2026 EPS of $0.72 surpassing the $0.11 estimate. Revenue declined to $46.31B in 2025, while net income margin compressed to 6.7%. The stock holds a consensus analyst price target of $50.80, with 49% of analysts rating it a Buy. A dividend of $0.41 is scheduled for payment on July 1, 2026.
Nike's outlook is mixed: strong brand equity and earnings beats support upside potential, but revenue pressures and margin compression pose risks. Investors face trade-offs between valuation support and execution challenges in key markets like China. The stock's current discount to consensus target suggests cautious optimism amid turnaround efforts.
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
Latest headlines on both assets
NIKE, Inc. designs, develops, and markets athletic footwear, apparel, equipment, and accessory products for men, women, and children. The Company sells its products worldwide to retail stores, through its own stores, subsidiaries, and distributors.
Read more on NKE →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 →