Annaly Capital Management, Inc. vs Paychex, Inc. — how do they compare? Annaly Capital Management, Inc. trades at $23.22 (market cap $17.44B), while Paychex, Inc. trades at $118.81 (market cap $43.14B). The key difference: Paychex, Inc. is far larger — about 2.5× Annaly Capital Management, Inc.'s market cap, and Annaly Capital Management, Inc. pays the higher dividend (12.96%). Which is the better fit depends on your goals.
| NLY | PAYX | |
|---|---|---|
Market Cap | $17.44B | $43.14B |
Sector | Financials | Industrials |
52-Week High | $24.40 | $140.81 |
52-Week Low | $20.21 | $85.57 |
Dividend Yield | 12.96% | 3.92% |
Enterprise Value | — | $46.63B |
Signals from Pluang's Aura AI — not financial advice
NLY trades at $22.91, down 0.56% today, with strong technical momentum showing a bullish moving average signal. The stock demonstrates robust fundamentals with a P/E of 5.59, ROE of 20.66%, and consistent earnings beats in recent quarters. Recent Q2 2026 results exceeded expectations with $0.79 EPS versus $0.75 estimate, supported by growing net interest income and dividend coverage improvements.
Analyst consensus remains positive with a $24.50 price target and 57% buy ratings, though investors should monitor interest rate sensitivity given the REIT's mortgage-focused business model. The 13%+ dividend yield provides income appeal, but funding costs and mortgage market volatility present ongoing risks to book value stability.
Paychex (PAYX) trades at $121.18, up 0.95% with a bullish technical outlook and strong fundamentals. The company maintains robust profitability with 27.03% net margins and consistent earnings beats. Recent expansion of WISE platform and steady small business employment trends support growth. Technical indicators show bullish momentum with support at $120 and resistance at $122.
PAYX offers stable dividend income and consistent execution but faces valuation concerns with P/E of 24.81 above sector averages. Analyst consensus remains cautious with 63% hold ratings. Key risks include economic sensitivity and competitive pressures in HR services. Upside depends on continued market share gains and margin maintenance.
Trailing returns across standard periods
Annaly Capital Management Inc is an American mortgage real estate investment trust. The company segments its operations into Residential and Commercial real estate investments. While Annaly's Residential assets are primarily comprised of agency mortgage-backed securities and debentures, it is primarily invested in commercial mortgage loans and mortgage-backed securities in its Commercial unit through its subsidiary, Annaly Commercial Real Estate Group. Agency mortgage-backed securities and debentures make up the majority of the company's overall portfolio. Most of the company's counterparties are located in the U.S. Annaly generates nearly all of its revenue from the spread between interest earned on its assets and interest payments made on its borrowings.
Read more on NLY →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 →