Paychex, Inc. vs Select Medical Holdings Corporation — how do they compare? Paychex, Inc. trades at $111.32 (market cap $39.82B), while Select Medical Holdings Corporation trades at $16.51 (market cap $2.05B). The key difference: Paychex, Inc. is far larger — about 19.4× Select Medical Holdings Corporation's market cap, and Paychex, Inc. pays the higher dividend (4.25%). Which is the better fit depends on your goals.
| PAYX | SEM | |
|---|---|---|
Market Cap | $39.82B | $2.05B |
Sector | Industrials | Health |
52-Week High | $147.99 | $16.66 |
52-Week Low | $85.57 | $11.77 |
Enterprise Value | $43.31B | $5.01B |
Dividend Yield | 4.25% | 1.51% |
Signals from Pluang's Aura AI — not financial advice
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.
Select Medical (SEM) trades at $16.51, unchanged on the day, amid a completed acquisition by a consortium led by Robert A. Ortenzio and Martin F. at $16.50 per share. The stock shows a bullish technical signal with support and resistance clustered around $17. Financially, the company reported 2025 revenue of $5.45B and net income of $146.22M, with a P/E of 15.43 and P/S of 0.36 indicating moderate valuation. Recent earnings have been mixed, with a beat in Q3 2025 but misses in Q4 2025 and Q1 2026.
The acquisition at $16.50 per share caps near-term upside, with legal investigations into the board's fiduciary duties posing a key risk. Analyst sentiment is mixed with 35.71% buy ratings but 57.15% hold, reflecting uncertainty post-buyout. Investors should note the stock's limited movement potential given the acquisition price, with fundamental performance and legal outcomes driving any residual value.
Trailing returns across standard periods
Latest headlines on both assets
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 →Select Medical Holdings Corporation is one of the largest operators of critical illness recovery hospitals, rehabilitation hospitals, outpatient rehabilitation clinics, and occupational health centers in the United States. The company's services focus on treating patients with serious illnesses, injuries, and post-acute care needs. SEM provides specialized care across various settings, aiming to help patients recover and return home.
Read more on SEM →