Paychex, Inc. vs Waste Management, Inc. — how do they compare? Paychex, Inc. trades at $104.45 (market cap $37.19B), while Waste Management, Inc. trades at $208.04 (market cap $83.98B). The key difference: Waste Management, Inc. is far larger — about 2.3× Paychex, Inc.'s market cap, and Paychex, Inc. pays the higher dividend (4.56%). Which is the better fit depends on your goals — on Pluang, investors hold Paychex, Inc. for 56 Days and Waste Management, Inc. for 130 Days on average.
| PAYX | WM | |
|---|---|---|
Market Cap | $37.19B | $83.98B |
Volume | 3,344,316 | 2,182,180 |
Sector | Industrials | Industrials |
52-Week High | $128.59 | $246.51 |
52-Week Low | $85.57 | $196.77 |
Typical Hold Time | 56 Days | 130 Days |
Enterprise Value | $40.87B | $106.78B |
Dividend Yield | 4.56% | 1.8% |
Signals from Pluang's Aura AI — not financial advice
Paychex (PAYX) trades at $104.62, up 3.02% today, with a mixed technical outlook showing bullish overall signals but bearish moving averages. The company reported strong earnings beats in recent quarters, with Q2 2026 EPS of $1.34 beating the $1.32 estimate, and maintains robust profitability with a 27.35% net income margin. Recent news highlights a 14% stock decline despite earnings strength, raising questions about dividend sustainability amid investor focus on cash flow.
The outlook is cautiously optimistic, with a consensus price target of $111 suggesting modest upside. Key opportunities include steady revenue growth and high margins, but risks involve labor market sensitivity and elevated valuation multiples. The stock's recent volatility reflects divergent analyst views, with 67.74% holding a neutral rating.
Waste Management (WM) trades at $207.71, down 0.59% on the day, with a bullish technical signal despite bearish moving averages. The company reported revenue of $25.20 billion in 2025, with net income of $2.71 billion and a net margin of 10.74%. Recent earnings show mixed results, with a miss in Q4 2025 but beats in Q1 and Q2 2026. Analyst consensus is strongly positive with 54.29% buy ratings and no sell recommendations.
WM's outlook remains favorable due to steady revenue growth, strong cash flow, and a resilient business model. Key risks include elevated debt levels and competitive pressures. The stock offers a reliable dividend, with the next payment of $0.95 scheduled for September 25, 2026. Investors should weigh solid fundamentals against debt concerns for long-term holdings.
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 →Waste Management ranks as the largest integrated provider of traditional solid waste services in the United States, operating approximately 260 active landfills and about 340 transfer stations. The company serves residential, commercial, and industrial end markets and is also a leading recycler in North America.
Read more on WM →