Paychex, Inc. vs Tractor Supply Co — how do they compare? Paychex, Inc. trades at $111.32 (market cap $39.82B), while Tractor Supply Co trades at $29.37 (market cap $15.54B). The key difference: Paychex, Inc. is far larger — about 2.6× Tractor Supply Co's market cap, and Paychex, Inc. pays the higher dividend (4.25%). Which is the better fit depends on your goals.
| PAYX | TSCO | |
|---|---|---|
Market Cap | $39.82B | $15.54B |
Sector | Industrials | Consumer Cyclical |
52-Week High | $147.99 | $62.65 |
52-Week Low | $85.57 | $29.14 |
Enterprise Value | $43.31B | $21.73B |
Dividend Yield | 4.25% | 3.24% |
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.
Tractor Supply (TSCO) trades at $29.64, down 2.85% today, with a bearish technical outlook but solid fundamentals including 36.4% gross margins and 45.5% ROE. Recent earnings show mixed results with two misses but a strong Q2 expectation of $0.83 EPS. The company maintains stable revenue growth, reaching $15.5B in 2025, and announced a $0.24 dividend for H1-26.
Despite near-term headwinds, TSCO's strong market position and analyst consensus price target of $38.40 suggest 30% upside potential. Risks include consumer discretionary pressure and recent earnings volatility, but the stock's current valuation at 14.9x P/E presents a compelling entry point for long-term investors seeking exposure to the resilient rural lifestyle retail sector.
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 →Tractor Supply is the largest operator of retail farm and ranch stores in the United States. The company targets recreational farmers and ranchers and has little exposure to commercial and industrial farm operations. Currently, the company operates 2,016 of its namesake banners in 49 states and 178 Petsense stores. Stores are typically located in towns outside of urban areas and in rural communities. In fiscal 2021, revenue consisted primarily of livestock and pet (47%), hardware, tools, and truck (21%), and seasonal gift and toy (21%).
Read more on TSCO →