Compare Palo Alto Networks Inc (PANW) vs Paychex, Inc. (PAYX) Price & Performance
Price performance (Past 24H)
Key statistics
Key statistics
Palo Alto Networks Inc vs Paychex, Inc. — how do they compare? Palo Alto Networks Inc trades at $335.38 (market cap $278.85B), while Paychex, Inc. trades at $111.32 (market cap $39.82B). The key difference: Palo Alto Networks Inc is far larger — about 7× Paychex, Inc.'s market cap, and Paychex, Inc. pays a 4.25% dividend while Palo Alto Networks Inc pays none. Which is the better fit depends on your goals.
| PANW | PAYX | |
|---|---|---|
Market Cap | $278.85B | $39.82B |
Sector | Technology | Industrials |
52-Week High | $358.68 | $147.99 |
52-Week Low | $141.67 | $85.57 |
Enterprise Value | $277.81B | $43.31B |
Dividend Yield | — | 4.25% |
Aura AI Summary
Signals from Pluang's Aura AI — not financial advice
Aura AI Summary
Signals from Pluang's Aura AI — not financial advice
Palo Alto Networks (PANW) trades at $342.15, down 4.61% today, yet maintains a bullish technical trend with strong analyst support. Recent earnings consistently beat expectations, with Q1 2026 EPS of $0.85 surpassing the $0.793 estimate. The company shows robust revenue growth, reaching $9.22B in 2025, and positive cash flow trends, though valuation ratios like a P/E of 303.18 remain elevated. News highlights focus on AI-driven cybersecurity demand and strategic acquisitions, such as the intent to enhance its observability platform announced on July 21, 2026.
Outlook is positive due to strong market positioning in cybersecurity and AI integration, but high valuations and competitive pressures pose risks. Investment opportunity lies in sustained earnings growth and sector tailwinds, while investors should monitor execution on guidance and margin sustainability.
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.
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 Palo Alto Networks Inc
Palo Alto Networks is a pure-play cybersecurity vendor that sells security appliances, subscriptions, and support into enterprises, government entities, and service providers. The company's product portfolio includes firewall appliances, virtual firewalls, endpoint protection, cloud security, and cybersecurity analytics. The Santa Clara, California, firm was established in 2005 and sells its products worldwide.
Read more on PANW →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 →
